MOSCOW, February 19 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian embassy in North Korea said on Thursday it was attempting to resolve the situation around a Russian ship earlier seized by North Korean authorities.

North Korea detained the Omsky-122 cargo ship, owned by the Amur shipping company, in Cape Musudan in the Sea of Japan late on Tuesday, and the vessel was escorted to the North Korean port of Kimchaek.

"We are making efforts to ensure the release of the Russian ship as soon as possible. The investigation is underway and we expect it to be completed in the near future," the embassy said.

According to the Amur shipping company, the Omsky-122 has a crew of 17 and enough supplies of food and water for 15 days.

Pyongyang reportedly has a missile-testing facility on the shore of Cape Musudan.

According to the Amur shipping company, the Russian vessel complied with all regulations and notified the North Korean coast guard of its location and movements.

Russians ships were also seized by North Korea in 2008 and 2005 in its territorial waters before eventually being released.
sections: World News