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Russia thanks Britain, Ireland for rescue of 2 Russian sailors

Russia thanked Britain and Ireland for the rescue of two Russian sailors after the wreckage of the Swanland freighter

MOSCOW, November 30 (Itar-Tass) —— Russia thanked Britain and Ireland for the rescue of two Russian sailors after the wreckage of the Swanland freighter, spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Lukashevich said on Wednesday.

“We were following with close attention and hope the search-and-rescue operation of the Coastguard of Britain and Ireland involving Prince William,” he noted. “Two sailors were saved, all necessary medical aid was given to them,” he pointed out. “We convey the words of sincere gratitude to all participants in this operation for selfless efforts and professionalism, thanks to which our citizens were saved,” the spokesman remarked. “The Russian Embassy in London is keeping in close contact with British authorities and keeps following attentively the situation,” Lukashevich said.

The Swanland freighter, which was flying the flag of the Cook Islands, sank amid a strong storm in the Irish Sea off Wales overnight to November 27. The ship crew was made up of eight Russian citizens. It is clear that one of them died and two sailors were saved. Other five sailors are still reported missing, but the British Coastguard reported that no chances are left to find them alive.

British Prince William, a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, participated in the rescue operation. The prince does military service as a pilot of the rescue helicopter at RAF Valley in Anglesey, north Wales. His helicopter was the first to arrive in the wreckage area and fulfilled the mission to save two Russian sailors from the chilly waters.

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