comes to welcoming Russian sailors in distress.

Yesterday St George's residents rallied round to help five sailors from Volgograd after they arrived in a crippled yacht, short of cash and supplies.

Their arrival comes just six weeks after the Russian tall ship Kruzenshtern appeared at Dockyard in dire straits and was helped out by warm-hearted Bermudians.

The Russians are sailing the yacht Aira , built by its captain, from Volgograd to Cleveland, Ohio. The two areas have friendly links as "sister'' cities.

But when the Russians neared Malta last month their mast broke and they had to get it repaired. Then their engine broke down and their batteries went flat.

"This is the first voyage from Russia to the United States from river to river,'' said crew member Mr. Yuri Pokataev.

"We had money when we started but to repair the mast in Malta we had to pay a lot and now we have no more money. But now our problem is finished.'' They had received donations of electricity, beer, vegetables and meat, he said.

"Very many people have come and asked us about our trip and asked about life in Russia.'' The sailors have also been offered help getting their yacht fixed, and Russian-born economist Mrs. Irina Nielsen, who recently settled in Bermuda, is translating for them.

Chief immigration officer Mr. Neville Smith said the Russians should strictly have left yesterday as they did not have Bermuda visas. But the rules had been waived for humane reasons and they would be allowed to stay another day or two.

"We were made to understand that they don't have funds to pay for visas and we are working out how to assist them in that area.'' The Aria is being sponsored by the sports committee of the Volgograd area, and its voyage is being linked to the Columbus anniversary celebrations. The crew will be guests of a yacht club in Rocky River, near Cleveland, for a month.

VOLGA BOATMEN -- Five Russian sailors found a warm welcome and plenty of helping hands when they arrived at St George's yesterday.