Russian Embassy Describes UK Actions In Regard To Detained Russian Ship As Constructive

LONDON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 17th January, 2019) The Russian Embassy in London told Sputnik on Thursday it was in contact with the captain of the Russian bulk carrier Kuzma Minin arrested in Britain, stressing that the British authorities have a constructive approach to the situation.

"The embassy maintains contact with the captain and representatives of the British authorities, who approach the situation constructively. We believe that the settlement of the issue lies primarily in the plane of the commercial relationship between the ship owner and its partners," an embassy official said.

According to the official, the British authorities informed the embassy on January 3 that the Russian cargo ship, previously detained in the port of Falmouth due to poor technical condition, was arrested by court order "as a measure to ensure the fulfillment of the shipowner's debt obligations to one of its contractors."

The ship with 18 Russian sailors aboard ran aground near Falmouth in mid-December. The vessel was soon refloated and examined by divers, who found the ship was slightly damaged.