Russia demands DPRK explanation over ship incident

MOSCOW - The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday demanded the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) explain a latest ship inspection incident taking place in the Sea of Japan.

A DPRK warship on Friday shot at a Russian fishing vessel without warning in the Sea of Japan before boarding the vessel, the ministry said in a statement.

DPRK coast guards onboard the warship allowed the vessel, Altai, to continue its voyage after questioning the captain, said the ministry.

No one was injured in the shooting, and the fishing boat was not damaged, the fishing company that owns Altai told RIA Novosti news agency.

Altai, loaded with crabs, was heading from the port of Zarubino in the Far Eastern Primorye Territory to South Korea, local media reported.

According to the spokesperson of the fishing company, coast guards from the DPRK "grossly violated international law on maritime traffic," as they started shooting without warning.