Following the devastating plane crash carrying Russian hockey players in central Russia yesterday, President Michel has sent a letter of condolence on behalf of the government and people of Seychelles.

In the letter sent to President Dmitry Medvedev President Michel expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life of 43 of the 45 passengers: "It is with profound sadness that we learnt about the tragic plane accident that caused so many casualties and much suffering... our sincere condolences and our deepest sympathy as well as our solidarity with the families of all the victims."

The President went on to wish the surviving two passengers a full recovery from their terrible ordeal and conveyed that the thoughts and prayers of the nation would be with the people of the Russian Federation during this time of national loss.