I doubt the situation would have been handled differently in either the UK or the US -neither military systems would rely on outside help until all possibilities have been explored -it is certainly nothing to do with incompetence on behalf of the Russians. My husband who has sailed in the Baring sea many times just shrugged his shoulders when he heard and said 'no chance'. On tonights news the situation remains grave with the British rescue team on its way from Norway, but unlikely to reach there until Saturday- I like the rest of you hope for a miracle