International Intrigue Surrounds Sinking of Cargo Ship

Russians Attack a Sink Cargo Ship. Eight Crewmembers Missing. China demands investigation over attack on unarmed ship.

China is demanding an investigation over the sinking of the M/V NEW STAR, a cargo ship, which sank near the port of Vladivostok. A Chinese newspaper claims that the Russian Navy attacked the ship before it sank.

The M/V NEW STAR, a Sierra Leone flagged ship, was ordered by its Hong Kong based owner to leave the port without permission from the Russian government. The situation began when the ship delivered “poor quality” rice to a Russian company who refused to accept the cargo. Apparently, the Russian consignee threatened legal action and wanted the vessel seized.

A spokesperson for the Primorye Federal Security Service said the ship crossed the country’s border illegally. Two Russian border guard ships were dispatched to stop the vessel, but the cargo ship’s captain ignored the warning signals and continued transit after warning shots were fired. The Russian government admits taking more aggressive actions to prevent the ship from leaving its territorial waters.

The vessel sank in the Sea of Japan approximately 50 miles from the port of Nakhodka in the Primorye Territory. The owner of M/V NEW STAR said three Chinese and five Indonesian sailors were rescued. Meanwhile, three Chinese and five Indonesian sailors are still missing.

The cargo ship sent distress signals as it began taking on water and its crew of 16 got into life rafts. A Russian border ship attempted to rescue the crew. However, half were saved and the remaining sailors were washed out to sea and are presumed to have drowned.

China's Foreign Ministry has urged Russia to investigate the incident. An investigation into the actions of the Russian border guard vessels has been sent to military prosecutors.