SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - A North Korean cargo ship sank off China's eastern coast late last year after colliding with a fishing vessel, Voice of America (VOA) reported on Wednesday.
Citing recently disclosed records from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the U.S. government-funded broadcaster said the North Korean-flagged UNSON 7, which departed from Nampo, South Pyongan Province, carrying about 4,600 tons of coal and was reportedly bound for Chongjin, collided with a Chinese trawler near Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, around midnight on Dec. 14 last year.
The collision occurred amid "nasty" weather after the trawler failed to notice a warning signal from the UNSON 7 and struck its starboard side, prompting the North Korean ship's captain to order the crew to abandon the vessel. All crew members were rescued before the vessel sank 20 to 30 minutes later.
The belated disclosure of the sinking has raised fresh doubts about North Korea's attempts to evade sanctions, as the accident occurred in waters known for illegal ship-to-ship transfers involving the reclusive country.
Experts point to the location of the accident, which does not match with the vessel's reported destination of Chongjin, fueling speculation that it may have been transporting coal to China or preparing for a ship-to-ship transfer at sea.
The Zhoushan area has frequently been cited as a hub for illicit trade and ship-to-ship transfers to evade international sanctions.
North Korea has long been accused of evading international sanctions imposed under U.N. Security Council resolutions since 2017 that prohibit the country from exporting coal and other minerals, with revenues allegedly funneling into its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
In a joint statement issued late last month with countries including Japan, the European Union and South Korea, the U.S. State Department called on North Korea to stop its illegal maritime activities, calling them "clear violations" of sanctions prohibiting the export of coal and iron ore.
Citing recently disclosed records from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the U.S. government-funded broadcaster said the North Korean-flagged UNSON 7, which departed from Nampo, South Pyongan Province, carrying about 4,600 tons of coal and was reportedly bound for Chongjin, collided with a Chinese trawler near Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, around midnight on Dec. 14 last year.
The collision occurred amid "nasty" weather after the trawler failed to notice a warning signal from the UNSON 7 and struck its starboard side, prompting the North Korean ship's captain to order the crew to abandon the vessel. All crew members were rescued before the vessel sank 20 to 30 minutes later.
The belated disclosure of the sinking has raised fresh doubts about North Korea's attempts to evade sanctions, as the accident occurred in waters known for illegal ship-to-ship transfers involving the reclusive country.
Experts point to the location of the accident, which does not match with the vessel's reported destination of Chongjin, fueling speculation that it may have been transporting coal to China or preparing for a ship-to-ship transfer at sea.
The Zhoushan area has frequently been cited as a hub for illicit trade and ship-to-ship transfers to evade international sanctions.
North Korea has long been accused of evading international sanctions imposed under U.N. Security Council resolutions since 2017 that prohibit the country from exporting coal and other minerals, with revenues allegedly funneling into its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
In a joint statement issued late last month with countries including Japan, the European Union and South Korea, the U.S. State Department called on North Korea to stop its illegal maritime activities, calling them "clear violations" of sanctions prohibiting the export of coal and iron ore.
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