Russian Sub Crew Members Alive and Well

The seven crew members of a Russian mini-submarine trapped for three days at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean were alive and well Sunday.

CNN reports a British rescue vehicle successfully cut the cables and nets that caught the Russian sub 625 feet below the surface off the coast of Kamchatka Thursday after Russian rescue attempts failed.

Concern began to escalate as the oxygen supply dwindled and low temperatures began to take their effect and the United States, Britain and Japan answered a call for help.

Admiral Viktor Fyodorov, commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, said Sunday the crew will be thoroughly examined and if needed, taken to a hospital, RIA Novosti reports.

He also thanked the countries who helped in the rescue.

Five years ago Russia was hesitant to call for help when the nuclear submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea, killing 118 crew members.

Fyodorov dismissed claims by a former Russian naval officer that international help would spoil Russian military secrets.

He also said the operation brought the sailors from Russia, the United States, Britain and Japan closer together.