Yes, sceltic, we seem to agree that the key this time was Russia accepting the help.

As for the political brownie points, I'm not suggesting the crews may not always wish to help, in fact I'd be more surpirsed if that sort of comradeship did not exist, particularly in something (which seems to me) as hazardous as submarine work.

I am however suggesting it can be the case with governments who after all are the ones that may score political points, not sailors. I can't believe that an exhibition in demonstrating "we have some of the best techonology/ experience in the world for this" is not something a country might not want to have on thier "CV" andymore than I can imagine Russia being to keen (sadly to the cost of lives) to admit "we are not up to this job and haven't got the kit/expertise". This must have been especially true during the Cold War Soviet Union.

As for political brownie points on a lower level, one only has to read this thread. I can almost hear "Rule Brittania" and see the Union Jacks flying in some posts.