Russian sailors FOUND by UK rescue teams in Bristol Channel after major search launched
THREE Russian sailors have been found in the Bristol Channel by an RNLI lifeboat crew after a major air and sea search and rescue operation was launched.
The Russians were said to be "safe and well" but cold after the RNLI discovered them on Flat Holm island four miles off the South Welsh coast.
They had been reported missing 90 minutes earlier.
A coastguard helicopter, five RNLI lifeboats and coastguard rescue teams were scrambled when the alarm was raised.
The three men are part of the crew of the Dutch-registered coaster Alana Evita anchored off Minehead in Somerset.
They left the ship last night and took a 13ft inflatable vessel to sail to the seaside resort of Barry near Welsh capital Cardiff.
They are thought to have left Barry at 3.45am this morning after a night out on the town but the alarm was raised when they had not returned to their ship by 7am.
An RNLI spokesman said: “Five lifeboats from Minehead, Burnham-on-sea, Barry Dock and Penarth were launched, together with a Coastguard helicopter.
“But shortly before 8.30am the men and their boat were spotted on Flat Holm island, four miles off the Welsh coast.”
The three sailors were found by the Penarth Lifeboat crew.
Andy Berry, from the Penarth RNLI, said the men had been found "safe and cold".
Mr Berry said that a rescue mission had been launched this morning at 8am.
He said: ”They have been found on Flat Holm. They're safe but cold.
"It's been an extensive search by the RNLI with a number of rescue teams.”