14 children at camp die when boats capsize

MOSCOW • At least 14 children attending a summer camp in north-eastern Russia drowned when their boats capsized in a storm on a lake, investigators have said.

The accident happened on Lake Syamozero, close to the border with Finland, according to Mr Vladimir Markin, a spokesman for Russia's investigative committee.

Four members of the camp staff had been detained for questioning following the tragedy, he said.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Sun-powered plane starts transatlantic leg

NEW YORK • The sun-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft set off from New York's JFK Airport early yesterday, embarking on the transatlantic leg of its record-breaking flight around the world to promote renewable energy.

The flight, piloted by Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard, is expected to take about 90 hours - during which Mr Piccard will just take short naps - before landing at Seville's airport in Spain.

The voyage will be the first solo transatlantic crossing in a solar-powered airplane, and is one of the most difficult legs in Solar Impulse 2's journey around the world.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Bahrain strips top Shi'ite cleric of citizenship

DUBAI • Bahrain has stripped the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric of his citizenship, state news agency BNA reported on its Twitter account yesterday, citing the interior ministry.

"Isa Ahmed Qassim has been stripped of his Bahraini citizenship," the agency said, referring to the country's most senior Shi'ite Muslim cleric who holds the senior religious title of Ayatollah.

REUTERS