South Korea seized a 2,900-ton cargo ship near the Korea Strait on Thursday on suspicion of violating UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea, sources said.
The foreign-flagged freighter, reportedly carrying coal and iron ore with 10 crewmembers, was en route from Russia to China, presumably via North Korea, when it was seized.
The vessel is now anchored at an anchorage in Busan on the country’s southeastern coast.
“With the vessel’s suspected violation of the UNSC sanctions, relevant government agencies are taking necessary steps in line with the international and domestic laws,” the foreign ministry said in response to a Yonhap query about the ship, without providing further details.
In late March, another 3,000-ton cargo ship, DEYI, which was heading to Vladivostok, Russia, was seized in waters off Yeosu, along the southern coast, under similar suspicions.
The ship is also currently anchored at the anchorage at Busan Port, with the captain and other crew onboard.
