Body camera footage from the navy unit shows Russian soldiers with automatic weapons controlling the ship and entering the bridge
Russia released video on Tuesday showing an armed naval inspection unit boarding a cargo ship in the southwestern Black Sea on Sunday and asking the captain why the ship did not stop when a Russian warship asked it to, Reuters reported.
Russia said it fired warning shots from automatic weapons at the Palau-flagged vessel Sukru Okan after it did not respond to a request to stop.
In a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry, crew members can be seen kneeling on the deck with their hands on their heads as a Russian Ka-29 helicopter approaches.
Russia released footage of its naval unit boarding the Palau-flagged Sukru Okan cargo ship after it ignored a halt demand from a Russian warship. The incident, which occurred near Turkey, escalated on August 13 when Russia fired warning shots at the vessel pic.twitter.com/iWDM88L8n9
— CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) August 15, 2023
What appears to be body camera footage from the navy unit shows Russian soldiers with automatic weapons taking control of the ship and entering the bridge.
“Stop engine, stop engine,” says one of the armed Russians as the crew members put their hands to their heads and kneel in front of the Russian guns.
“Keep calm and listen to me,” says another Russian.
“Good morning sir. I’m a Russian naval officer – please don’t videotape my team.”
The gunfire on a merchant vessel has already sparked strong concerns among shipowners, insurers and traders about the risks of stranding in the Black Sea, the main route used by both Ukraine and Russia to get their agricultural products to market.
Reuters could not reach the vessel or its owners for comment.
“During the inspection activities carried out, the work of the inspection team was carried out professionally in accordance with the requirements of international documents,” the Ministry of Defense said.
“After the completion of the work of the inspection team in Sukru Okan, a verification protocol was drawn up, the ship continued to move to the port of Izmail.”
The video shows the language barriers.
In one piece, a Russian demands: “Speak English.”
“Yes, I speak English,” replies one of the crew.
The Russian officer then asks the captain through a crew translator why the ship did not stop when asked.
The crew member translating for the captain indicated that the captain had not understood the Russian demand to stop.
“You got it wrong,” says the crew member in English.
“Thank you, good morning sir,” says the Russian officer as he leaves.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
