DATE=3/24/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CQ RUSSIA/KURSK (S)

NUMBER=2-287923

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: The remains of seven more Russian sailors from the doomed nuclear submarine Kursk were laid to rest Saturday in St. Petersburg. Officials say these may be the last burials, amid indications investigators are getting close to a final determination of just what caused the sub to sink almost two-years ago. Bill Gasperini has more from Moscow.

TEXT: Coffins containing the remains of the seven crewmembers were buried in a cemetery in St. Petersburg, following an emotional service attended by relatives and naval officers.

Among those buried was the captain of the Kursk, Commander Gennady Lyachin. His remains were identified just a few days ago by forensic experts, the last of 115 identified of the 118 men who died in the disaster.

Officials say the remains of the other three men will probably never be found, since a thorough search of the wreckage has been completed.

The Kursk sank in the Barents Sea in August 2000 after a pair of onboard explosions. Most crewmembers were killed instantly.

Officials have not made a final determination of exactly what caused the explosions, although most independent experts believe a faulty torpedo was to blame. (SIGNED)

NEB/BG/ALW/RAE