MOSCOW/PETROPAVLOSVK-KAMCHATSKY, August 7 (RIA Novosti) - A Russian mini-submarine stranded for three days off the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East has been brought to the surface in an international rescue effort. The seven-member crew climbed out of the mini-submarine unaided, an assistant to the commandeer-in-chief of the Russian Navy said Sunday.The crew's seven members are now on board a vessel that will soon take them to hospital in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Igor Dygalo said.
A preliminary medical examination showed that all the men were in a satisfactory condition.
"The operation was successful thanks to the united efforts of Russian and foreign rescuers," Dygalo said.
"Russian defense minister Sergei Ivanov was in the accident area during the rescue operation in the Berezovaya Bay," deputy chief of staff of the Russian Navy Vladimir Pepelyayev said.
