The repatriation of sailors from a Russian expedition vessel detained in the Canadian port of St. John`s over debts has been postponed for at least a week, an International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) official has said.

The Lyubov Orlova ship, crewed by 49 Russian nationals and two Ukrainians, was seized in the Newfoundland port in late September following a suit by a haulage contractor over a $251,000 debt.

As a result of Russian diplomatic efforts, the sailors were expected to return home on Wednesday. However, the repatriation was delayed.

"The first group of sailors will fly home not earlier than October 27," Pyotr Osichansky said without elaborating on the causes of the delay.

Sixteen to twenty sailors will not be repatriated together with the others - they will remain on board the ship to assure its security, Osichansky said, adding that the ship`s crew had enough food and water.
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