The Soviet submarine U-484, touted as another post-Cold War tourism dividend for America, may end up a sad eyesore. It is broke -- apparently in more ways than one. The Juliet Class Guided Missile Submarine was purchased from the Russian Navy last year for $1 million dollars, and transported to St. Petersburg, Florida.

Russian Submarine B-C Limited has filed for bankruptcy. The opening of the sub was delayed in the fall when the towing cable broke and the 300-foot long sub crashed, damaging the outer hull. The sub was finally in place at the end of 1998. Now the owners claim they owe 1 million dollars (!) to creditors, and another $50k in rent to St. Petersburg's port.

The destitute hulk now sits at The Pier, which also offers visitors a five-story inverted pyramid, and the HMS Bounty, an old ship that can be toured while it is here in winter port. What to do? Sell it to Tommy Bartlett? Too late. Fill it with Barbie dolls? Hmmm....

[03/21/1999]