Norwegian authorities have suspended a search-and-rescue mission for two Bulgarian sailors who apparently fell overboard from a cargo ship, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry says.
The ministry on January 2 said rescuers halted operations because of high winds and eight-meter-high waves in the area.
"According to the Norwegian Joint Rescue Coordination Center, under the current climatic conditions there is no chance for those who have fallen into the water to survive for such a long time," the ministry said.
Two helicopters were involved in the search on January 2 in Norwegian waters some 400 kilometers off the town of Bodo.
The sailors went overboard from the Stara Planina cargo ship, which was carrying a crew of 19 people, 18 of whom were Bulgarian with one Ukrainian citizen.
The ministry said the operation would not be resumed on January 3. It said Norwegian police were investigating the case.
Norway Rescue Teams Suspend Search Missing Bulgarian Sailors
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