MOSCOW, October 1 (RIA Novosti) - Inspections...
The Finnish-owned, Maltese-flagged ship manned by a Russia crew, listed as carrying lumber from Russia to Algeria, was reportedly boarded by a group of eight men on July 24. Officials later said it had disappeared in the Atlantic. It was freed off Cape Verde on August 16 by a Russian warship.
The ship has been the focus of media speculation, with some reports speculating it was carrying Russian S-300 surface-to-air missiles to Iran or Syria. Moscow has denied the reports.
Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said on Thursday: "We are taking all necessary measures to return the vessel to its owner, and to provide support to conclude its commercial delivery in line with the sea freight contract."
However, he said the vessel was slightly damaged as a result of its capture.
"Some navigation equipment was put out of action. Repairs must be carried out. This damage does not influence the safety of towing the Arctic Sea," he said.