Thai Navy intercepts Russian fishing vessel with controversial history near Phuket Video

A Russian fishing vessel was intercepted by the Thai navy in the waters off Phuket, after earlier suspicions that it was involved in smuggling. 

The ship’s captain, who had died under mysterious circumstances, was also a subject of concern, Caliber.Az reports, citing Telegram channel SHOT.

The aged trawler, Bilene, entered Thailand’s territorial waters, prompting the naval authorities to investigate.

Following an inspection, no fishing gear, catch, or other illicit items were found on board. The vessel, built in 1986, is reportedly en route from Russia to Bangladesh under the flag of Vanuatu for sale.

In 2008, Bilene was detained in Kamchatka on suspicion of fuel smuggling. At the time, the ship’s captain took his own life, leaving no one to face legal charges.

The vessel is now expected to end up at the world’s largest ship graveyard in Chittagong, where it will likely be sold for scrap.

By Aghakazim Guliyev