Russian fishing vessel disappears in Sea of Japan, 21 missing

Moscow, January 25

Russian fishing vessel “Vostok” with 21 crew members on board has disappeared in the Sea of Japan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Thursday.

An emergency beacon belonging to the vessel has been found some 200 km from the coast of Primorsky Krai in the area of the Sea of Japan, Xinhua reported.

“According to preliminary data, there are 21 people aboard the ship. All attempts to contact the vessel did not bring any results,” a ministry statement said.

A rescue operation is underway. The Russian Coast Guard has sent patrol boats to the area. The Russian Defense Ministry has also sent Mi-8 helicopters to the area. — IANS