Russia urged to share info on cargo ship sinking

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-24 22:07

BEIJING -- China said Tuesday that the Russian authorities should share the results of an investigation into the sinking of a civilian cargo ship in Russia's far east waters.

The cargo ship "New Star" is seen near the Russian far eastern port of Nakhodka in this February 14, 2009 picture. [Agencies]

"We express grave concern over the incident," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told a regular press conference.

A Sierra Leone-flagged vessel named "New Star" sank off Russia's far-east port of Vladivostok on Sunday after coming under fire from Russian coast guard vessels.

Seven Chinese crew members are still missing.

China attached great importance to the settlement of the incident, and had lodged representations to Russia, Ma said, adding that China is expecting Russia to report its investigation to China.

Russia said it was deeply regretful for the sinking and the causalities, and extended condolences to families of the victims, and said it would report its investigation to China as soon as possible, according to Ma.

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Li Hui on Thursday summoned the Russian ambassador to express strong dissatisfaction with Russian vessel's firing at the ship, the insufficient rescue efforts and its failure to provide prompt investigation results to China although some details were still unknown.