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Russians Saved In Shipwreck

A sailing boat passing near the luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia leaning on its side off Giglio, Italy, on Sunday. Gregorio Borgia

All 109 Russians sailing on the Costa Concordia, a U.S.-owned luxury liner that capsized near Italy's Giglio Island, have been found alive, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

The Costa Concordia struck a reef and capsized Friday night, killing at least two passengers, both French citizens, and a Peruvian crew member, news reports said. About 70 of the more than 4,200 people on board were injured, while 17 others remained unaccounted for.

Three Russians, all crew members, were listed among the injured, RIA-Novosti reported.

All 109 Russian survivors will soon be returned to Russia, the ministry said.

Costa Cruises, which organized the voyage, intends to offer free trips as compensation to the passengers, Itar-Tass reported. But monetary compensation for lost possessions will be limited to 100 euros ($126) per person, the report said.

The Concordia's captain has been detained on suspicion of manslaughter and abandoning the ship. He says the reef was not marked on his maps.

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