SOFIA, Jan 3 — The Norwegian authorities yesterday suspended wider search and rescue operations for two Bulgarian sailors who officials say fell overboard from a cargo ship in the Norwegian Sea, the Bulgarian foreign ministry said.

The two-helicopter rescue operation began around 400 km southwest of the town of Bodo in the early afternoon yesterday, but activities were severely hampered by bad weather — high winds and eight-metre-high waves, the ministry said.

"According to the Norwegian Joint Rescue Coordination Center, under the current climatic conditions there is no chance for those who have fallen into the water to survive for such a long time,” the ministry said in a statement.

The crew of the Stara Planina cargo ship consists of 19 people — 18 Bulgarian citizens and one Ukraine citizen.

The ministry said the operation, which began after the incident was reported to the Norwegian authorities by the Stara Planina's captain, would not be resumed today while the Norwegian police were investigating the case. — Reuters