Russia says detained Russian yacht arrives in DPRK, crew in good condition

A Russian yacht detained by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has arrived at the country's Kimchaek port, and the crew members are in good condition, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

The Russian Embassy in the DPRK and Consulate General in Chongjin,capital of the DPRK's North Hangyong Province, are taking measures to settle the issue, and a note has been sent to the DPRK side demanding explanations for the detention, the ministry said in an online statement.

Russia's Consul General in Chongjin Yuri Bochkarev is waiting for the permission to go to Kimchaek to meet with the crew.

The Elfin yacht with five crew members on board was detained late Friday by a DPRK coast guard ship 80 nautical miles (150 km) off DPRK's shore, the ministry said.

The Russian side said the yacht was in international waters at the time of the incident.

The vessel was on its way from the South Korean port of Pusan to Vladivostok after an international yachts race.

So far, there is no comment from DPRK on the issue.

（APD）