Bush says plans under way to get crew home

George W Bush says plans are under way to bring home the crew of the US spy plane from China.

The US President says the Chinese government has assured the US the crew will be released promptly.

He says it has been a difficult situation for both countries and expressed the nation's sorrow to the wife and child of the missing Chinese pilot.

"Our prayers are with his wife and child," he said.

China had earlier said it had received a letter of apology from the US and would be releasing the crew members on humanitarian grounds.

Mr Bush, addressing reporters in the White House, also thanked the US ambassador in Beijing, Joseph Prueher, and the diplomats who "worked tirelessly to solve the situation" .

He said America was proud of the 24 crew members and said he looked forward to welcoming them home.

They have been held on Hainan Island since landing there after a collision with a Chinese fighter on April 1.

A senior administration official said the White House expected the crew to be released late on Wednesday.