The Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 was one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. On April 26, 1986, a safety test gone wrong led to an explosion and fire at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the then Soviet Union. The explosion and subsequent radiation release contaminated a vast area in Europe and led to the deaths of thousands of people. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, several brave men took on the dangerous mission of limiting the effects of the catastrophe. Among them were 3 divers who swam underwater to open a vital drainage valve and prevent an even worse disaster from occurring. Their heroic efforts came at a devastating personal cost, as all 3 divers later died from radiation sickness. This article tells the story of how these 3 divers survived their mission at Chernobyl against incredible odds.
Who were the 3 divers at Chernobyl?
The 3 divers who were tasked with the mission to open underwater valves at the damaged Chernobyl reactor were:
- Valeri Bezpalov, a Lieutenant in the Soviet Navy
- Alexei Ananenko, an engineer at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
- Boris Baranov, a senior engineer at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
These 3 men had unique skills that made them suitable for the incredibly risky dive. Bezpalov was an experienced diver in the navy. Ananenko knew the intricate layout of the reactor better than anyone. Baranov was familiar with the location of the valves that needed to be opened.
Why was the underwater mission necessary?
The Chernobyl reactor had an emergency water drainage system beneath it. This system was designed to prevent the core from overheating in the event of an accident. After the initial explosion at Chernobyl, the reactor’s core was at risk of completely melting down if the water drainage system did not activate to cool it.
However, the system required manual activation because the explosion had cut off its power supply. Three underwater valves needed to be opened to activate the drainage pumps and prevent the core from melting down into the plant’s basement, which would have caused an even more catastrophic radiation release.
What were the challenges faced by the divers?
The divers faced nearly impossible odds in successfully completing their mission:
- Extreme radiation levels – The diving area was severely contaminated by radiation from the damaged reactor core. This far exceeded safe levels for human exposure.
- Zero visibility – The water was opaque due to contamination, providing zero visibility for the divers.
- Navigating complex pathways – The divers had to locate the valves by feel and memory alone, navigating complex underwater pathways.
- Damaged equipment – Many of their lights and diving equipment were damaged by the explosion.
- Time pressure – Every passing minute increased the risk of catastrophic meltdown, so speed was vital.
Despite all of these challenges stacked against them, the 3 divers courageously succeeded in their mission.
How did the divers manage to activate the valves?
Against all odds, the 3 Chernobyl divers managed to successfully locate and open the valves underwater to activate the drainage pumps. They did this through:
Careful Planning
Before the dive, the divers extensively reviewed blueprints and documentation of the reactor’s underwater areas to plan their pathways and locate the exact positions of the valves. They memorized the number of turns and distances they needed to cover to reach the valves in near total darkness.
Teamwork
The 3 men remained in constant contact during the dive through a system of rope signals. When one diver located a valve, he tugged the rope to signal the others to join him. They worked as a coordinated team to turn the valve wheels together, knowing this was faster than having one diver do it alone.
Perseverance
Despite dangerously high radiation exposure, equipment failures, and near-zero visibility, the divers pushed on and never gave up on their mission. Their determination was fueled by the knowledge that millions of lives depended on their success.
Improvisation
When some of their lights failed, the divers improvised by feel alone in the pitch dark murky water. They used their hands to count objects and turns mapped in their memory to locate the valves. When breathing apparatus failed, the divers shared masks while alternating breaths.
Thanks to their exceptional courage, teamwork and improvisation, the 3 divers managed to successfully open all the valves in their 40-minute long dive. This allowed the water pumps to activate and prevent the reactor core from melting down into the plant.
What were the costs of the mission?
Despite accomplishing their mission against incredible odds, the 3 Chernobyl divers paid a devastating personal price for their heroism:
| Diver | Radiation Dose | Effects Suffered |
|---|---|---|
| Valeri Bezpalov | 450 rem | Vomiting, skin peeling, radiation burns |
| Alexei Ananenko | 500 rem | Bone marrow damage, immune system damage |
| Boris Baranov | 600 rem | Near total blood cell loss, organ failure |
The divers experienced severe radiation poisoning leading to a myriad of illnesses. All 3 sadly died within a few weeks or months of the dive due to radiation sickness.
Recognition
For many years, the accounts of the divers were kept secret by Soviet authorities. Their heroic sacrifices only came to light years later after the USSR’s collapse. They have since been rightfully recognized worldwide for their bravery and displayed selfless determination to save countless lives.
Conclusion
The 3 divers who swam into the perilous depths below the shattered Chernobyl reactor accomplished an astonishing feat against all odds. Their successful mission prevented an even greater disaster despite the devastating personal toll. Through careful planning, teamwork, perseverance and improvisation, they managed to activate the drainage pumps that cooled the reactor core. While their radiation doses proved lethal, the story of their heroism lives on as an incredible example of human willpower and sacrifice for the greater good.