OREANDA-NEWSThe diplomats of the Russian Federation are working on solving the problem of the Russian fishing vessel "Xianghailin-8", who was detained in the DPRK last week, they were able to meet with the crew members, the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Vladivostok told the Russian media.

“Diplomats have been working on resolving the situation from the very beginning. As far as I know, they have already managed to meet with the crew of the vessel”, the source said. He clarified that according to his data the vessel was detained by the DPRK border service. It has 17 crew members, two of them are South Koreans. The Sakhalin government has also joined in solving the problem. The authorities of the region, within their authority, will provide the necessary assistance to seamen, the press service of the regional government said on Wednesday.

"The competent authorities are now dealing with the incident. First of all, it's important to ensure the safety of seafarers, including three residents of the Sakhalin region. We will provide the necessary assistance and support within our authority. We will try to do everything to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible". Service words of Deputy Governor Sergey Budkin.

The press service said that the vessel was detained on the night of July 17, when it was heading from the South Korean port of Sokcho to the Sea of Japan to extract crab. Now the sailors are in the port of Wonsan. On board the vessel, assigned to the port of Nevelsk, there are 15 Russians. Among them are three residents of Nevelsk, Korsakov and Kholmsk. Two of the team are South Koreans.

“The situation is now being investigated by the Russian embassy in the DPRK. Members of the diplomatic mission have already managed to meet with the crew. Issues are being resolved to bring sailors home as soon as possible”, the press service said.