MOSCOW, September 5 (RIA Novosti) - The crew of the Russian AS-28 mini-sub, which was trapped underwater for three days off the Kamchatka peninsula in August, may soon meet with their British rescuers, the newly appointed Commander of the Russian Navy said Monday.
"This meeting may take place soon," Admiral Vladimir Masorin said, explaining that the British rescuers did not meet with the crew immediately after the rescue operation because the Russian sailors required medical examination.
Masorin said the Russian navy would not acquire the rescue mini-subs Scorpio or Panther this year, but the Russian Defense Ministry said earlier it intended to purchase such vessels from abroad.
"The decision to purchase mini-subs has been made, but it has not been formally documented," he said. "We spoke with the British company that manufactures rescue mini-subs, and they said they do not have them for sale now. The company requires 25% advance payment and promises to produce a mini-sub within 20 weeks."
"We do not have the money today, but the sum is envisaged in a 2006 state order," the commander added.
