CPD finds no dangerous material on 'Arctic Sea' - Russian warship monitors vessel

The freighter Arctic Sea has been inspected by the Civil Protection Department and found to be free of any radioactive material or dangerous chemicals.

CPD personnel boarded the Maltese-flagged vessel 14 nautical miles off Malta late yesterday morning and gave the all-clear after an inspection lasting several hours.

The Russian crewed vessel hit the headlines in July when it was allegedly hijacked in Swedish waters. Russian forces seized it in the Atlantic Ocean several weeks later.

Members of the crew had resisted the hijackers and were injured. In fact, one had his teeth broken in a fight, according to accounts given to people who boarded the Arctic Sea yesterday.

The crew members said they were locked in their cabins until they were freed by the Russian navy off Cape Verde. The hijackers apparently also destroyed the long distance communication equipment and took the ship's black box.

The crew insisted that the ship carried nothing but timber. In fact, pine could still be seen on the ship and could be smelt immediately when one boarded, the sources said.

The Arctic Sea is being towed by a tug boat and a Russian destroyer has remained close by, but the Russian media reported yesterday that the 'arrest' of the vessel has now been lifted.

The ship is expected to be handed over to its Finnish owners in international waters. Although the vessel had been expected to enter Grand Harbour for repairs, particularly to its communications, that has not yet been confirmed.