Over 640 Ice Fishermen Rescued From Loose Ice Floes

Russians rescued more than 640 ice fishermen Sunday after two large ice floes broke loose from shore and began drifting out to sea, a news report said.

The ITAR-Tass news agency said the rescues occurred in the Gulf of Finland, near St. Petersburg.

One helicopter made two flights and retrieved a total of 123 fishermen, the report said, while two maritime rescue ships picked up another 429. Border guards and private boats rescued the rest, ITAR-Tass said, citing the St. Petersburg civil defense department.