Russian trawler was detained off Spitsbergen

31.05.2010 Norwegian Coast Guard arrested Russian trawler Izumrud. The ship was stopped in fishery conservation zone near Spitsbergen archipelago.

According to coast guard officials, there was a recorded evidence of fish thrown overboard. At present, Izumrud is heading for the port of Tromso escorted by Coast Guard vessel KV Senja, specifies RSN.

Local police will be in charge of further investigation. It should be reminded that Norwegian Coast Guard had arrested Russian vessel Project some time ago. Reportedly, Russians were suspected of illegal fishing in restricted zone. "Coast Guard vessel KV Andenes arrested Project right after the midnight", said a representative of local police.

If the accusations are proven, Russian sailors would have to pay a fine, otherwise the catch will be confiscated. As for Coast Guard officials, the ship was trawling in the temporarily restricted zone.

Previously, trawler Kapitan Pryakhin was detained due to "illegal transshipment of fish products within Norwegian territorial waters". In opinion of Norwegian party, the transshipment was carried out without permission, local authorities were not informed. According to Northern Fisherman's Union, the incident happened in Norwegian territorial waters.

Earlier, trawler Persei-3 returned to Murmansk after 3-day staying in the port of Vadso. The ship had been arrested in Norwegian territorial waters. As for Norwegian party, by-catch of pollock exceeded quantity manifested in the ship's documentation.