EU Condemns Russian Arrest of Lithuanian Fishing Vessel

The European Union appealed to Russian authorities demanding the immediate release of Lithuanian fishing boat Juros Vilkas, detained in the Barents Sea on suspicion of poaching.

In a posted statement, the EU External Action Service commented on situation:

“We are concerned by the forced apprehension of the Lithuanian fishing vessel “J?ros Vilkas” by Russian border guards in high seas waters of the Barents Sea on 18 September, the subsequent detention of the vessel and its crew, as well as its forceful towing to Russian territory.

The European Union calls on Russia to respect its international obligations and to immediately release the vessel. The EU also calls on Russia to refrain from any action in contravention of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea vis-à-vis fishing vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the EU.

The matter has been raised with the Russian Ambassador to the EU.”

The Lithuanian-flagged Juros Vilkas was detained by Russian border guards on September 18 and delivered to the port of Murmansk. According to the FSB Public Relations Center, the ship carried out illegal fishing in the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation. About 15 tons of crab were found on board the vessel.

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