South Korea seized a 2,900-tonne cargo ship near the Korea Strait on Thursday on suspicions of its violating UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea, according to South Korean media.
The foreign-flagged freighter, 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 currently anchored at Busan on South Korea's south-eastern coast.
In late March, another 3,000-tonne cargo ship, DEYI, was seized in the waters off Yeosu under similar suspicions. This ship, which was heading to Vladivostok, Russia, is also anchored at Busan Port, with the captain and crew on board.
The incident occurred amid high tensions between North and South Korea, partly due to North Korea's encroachment on disputed territories. Security experts suggest these seizures aim to prevent weapons trade between North Korea and Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently concluded his first state visit to North Korea, reportedly to secure weapons for the conflict in Ukraine. Both Russia and North Korea face extensive Western sanctions.
"Our government is conducting an investigation, based on close cooperation with the United States, regarding the ship's alleged violation of Security Council sanctions resolutions against North Korea," stated Seoul's foreign ministry. "As the investigation is currently ongoing, it is difficult to provide details."
One South Korean media outlet reported that the ship had 13 people aboard, including a Chinese captain and Chinese and Indonesian crew members.
North Korea has been under increasing sanctions since 2006 due to its nuclear programme. Since 2019, Russia and China have lobbied to ease the restrictions.
Taking advantage of a gridlocked UN, Pyongyang ramped up missile tests and declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power in 2022.
Experts note that Russia's recent halting of UN monitoring is a significant win for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
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