William in Frantic Sea Rescue

He didn't exactly ride in on a white horse, but Prince William was among the British rescuers who plucked two Russian sailors from their sinking vessel early this morning, reports the BBC. The Swanland, laden with 3,000 tons of limestone, began taking in water when its hull cracked off the coast of Wales, and one Lt. William Wales was co-pilot aboard the search-and-rescue chopper that airlifted the pair to his base in Anglesey.

Rescuers have recovered the body of one sailor, and are searching for five others who are missing. "We know that at least some of them are wearing immersion suits and have strobe lighting with them, however, sea conditions are challenging at best," says a coast guard spokesman. (More Prince William stories.)