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This episode contains strong language.

The Omsk, a Soviet cargo ship, has crossed the Atlantic.

It sits waiting in a Cuban port.

The first shipment of medium-range ballistic missiles, R-12s, is on board.

At night, all lights are off, on the ship and in the port.

Out at sea, boats protect the entrance to the harbor.

Road access is guarded by Cuban troops.

Under water, divers check the ship's hull,

and every two hours, the water around the Omsk.

Premier Nikita Krishiev believes the Americans are preparing to attack Cuba.

He's alarmed by Kennedy's warning that the United States have evidence of anti-aircraft missiles on Cuba

and that America will use whatever means necessary to defend itself.

Khrushchev responds with his own statement on September 11th.

If this attack is made, it will be the beginning of the unleashing of war, he says.

And also, our weapons are so powerful, we don't need to put them outside the Soviet Union.

But the Soviet R12 missiles already on Cuban soil.

They were unloaded two days earlier.

This is the bomb from the BBC World Service, Season 3, Kennedy and Crucese. With me, Nina Khrushcheva. And me, Max Kennedy. Episode 5, The Crisis, Day 1. The Crisis, day one. Thank you.

I have a preliminary statement.

The United States has missed the arrival of the Amsk in Cuba and its secret cargo below deck.

...