That day, while on patrol northeast of Bermuda, "K-219" suffered an explosion and fire in a missile tube. The seal in a missile hatch cover failed, allowing seawater to leak into the missile tube and react with residue from the missile's liquid fuel. According to one press version, the Soviet Navy claimed that the leak was caused by a collision with USS "Augusta" (SSN-710). "Augusta" was certainly operating in proximity, but the United States Navy denies any collision. "K-219" had previously experienced a similar casualty; one of her missile tubes was already disabled and welded shut.