 At the beginning of the year the Soviets could engage in offensive four Stalinets-class submarines, nine Shchuka class and three Malyutka class.ShCh-323 was the first vessel to attempt passing the blockade but was sunk by mines on 30 April 1943 (five survivors).ShCh-303 failed to pass the nets and returned to Lavansaari after encounters with German vessels.