Russia Thanks Prince William For Saving Sailors

As we previously reported, Prince William co-piloted one of two helicopters sent out after his base received a mayday call at 2 a.m. from a Cook Islands-registered cargo ship that had been swamped about 20 miles northwest of the Llyn peninsula in north Wales.

For his daring actions in a rescue mission that saved the lives of two Russian sailors early Sunday.

"We know that you took an active part in the rescue and the two seamen were saved thanks to your selfless effort under the bad weather conditions," Yakovenko wrote in a statement directed at the prince, 29. "Let me express to you and your colleagues my deepest gratitude for saving the lives of the Russian citizens."

As we previously reported, Prince William co-piloted one of two helicopters sent out after his base received a mayday call at 2 a.m. from a Cook Islands-registered cargo ship that had been swamped about 20 miles northwest of the Llyn peninsula in north Wales.

The ship, which carried limestone, had been swamped by a huge wave, throwing the eight-man crew into the water.

The prince's Sea King helicopter is believed to be the one that plucked two of the crew members from a floundering life raft; a third man was found dead, and five others were still missing early Monday.