Russian Ship With 18 Crew Sinks

(RFE/RL) October 23, 2006 -- A Russian cargo ship has sunk off the coast of South Korea in stormy conditions.

The fate of the 18 crew members remains unknown.

The Russian Transport Ministry says the "Sinegorye," which was carrying timber from Russia's Far East to China, sent an SOS message before radio contact was lost.

Rescue vessels are on their way to the area to search for survivors.

(AP, Reuters)