Russian Sub Crew 'Alive'

The crew of the stranded submarine Kursk are alive, according to a Russian navy spokesman.

Rescue teams have been communicating by tapping on the hull of the vessel, which has spent its second night at the bottom of the Barents Sea, after the submarine hit disaster during exercises on Sunday.

Officials said it had been established that all 116 crew were "alive for the moment", but it was not clear if there were casualties.

Bad weather has added to the problems at the scene, with choppy seas and high winds reported to have worsened overnight on Monday.

It is hoped that the weather will improve after 0800 GMT and allow rescue efforts to resume.

Mini-submarines and a diving bell have been able to get near the stricken sub and some reports say the rescuers are managing to pump oxygen into the vessel.

People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/