Fresh Attempts Fail to Reach Stranded Russian SubmarinersOvernight attempts by Russian naval rescue teams to dock a mini-submersible with the stricken Kursk submarine in the Arctic Barents Sea have failed, despite improved weather conditions, according to reports Saturday.The latest failure to end the week-long crisis which has gripped the Russian nation, came despite more clement conditions, with a moderate swell and north-easterly wind and good surface visibility, the ORT public television channel reported. The rescue teams are seeking to free the 118 crew members on board the stranded submarine lying at the bottom of the Barents Sea. Fears were growing that there will be no survivors left to rescue when the Kursk is eventually boarded. Rescuers aboard a mini-submarine had on Friday managed to latch onto one of the stranded nuclear submarine's escape hatches, but was unable to open it because it was damaged. It was the closest they had come since the submarine drama began a week ago. The Russian rescuers vowed to continue their rescue efforts until a high-tech British mini-sub arrives at the scene of the wreck. The British commanders voiced confidence they could get inside the Kursk, lying tilted to its left side under 108 meters (356 feet) of water and slowly sinking deeper into the seabed. The British contingent were hoping to arrive early on Saturday afternoon + and to mount their rescue bid as soon as possible thereafter. |
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