North Korea’s foreign Ministry said Russian diplomats in Pyongyang about the decision to free the yacht “Elfin” with Russian athletes, previously detained in the sea of Japan. It is reported TASS citing Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora.
He said that the employees of the Russian Embassy to verify information about the release of the yacht from the Korean port Kimchuk Vladivostok and trying to get on the phone with the captain of this yacht. The Ambassador noted that, according to some information, the release of the yacht from the port of Kipchak delayed due to bad weather.
He added that Russian diplomats continue to encourage the North Korean side explanations of the reasons for the detention of the yacht.
Consul General of Russia in the North Korean city of Chongjin Yuri Bochkarev also confirmed the Agency “RIA Novosti” that the local authorities of the North Korean province of Hamgyong informed Russian diplomats that the yacht “Elfin” received permission to leave North Korea and left port.
About detention of the Russian yacht “Elfin” became known on the morning of may 14. The rescue coordination centre of Vladivostok reported that the coast guard detained the DPRK in the sea of Japan yacht “Elfin” and began to tow her to the North Korean shores. As has told a press-attache of the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang Denis Samsonov, on Board of a sailing ship is the captain and four crew members. They all participated in sports regatta in Busan, Republic of Korea.
About the reasons for detention still no data. Earlier, the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang asked the Ministry of foreign Affairs and the people’s armed forces of the DPRK to take immediate measures for the release of the yacht and its crew.
