Russia: A lorry carrying 10 tonnes beer sank while crossing the river Irtysh near the Russian city Omsk.

After three weeks was the beer rescued from the river, with help of Russian troops, in -27 C cold weather. The beer is still good, said a spokesman from the Rosar Brewery, where the beer is produced.

It will be sold with a discount. The value of the rescued beer exceeds 100,000 rubles (US$3,480). The vehicle will be rescued in due course by the local administration. The Rosar brewery belongs to the global brewer Interbrew.

23 January, 2004