Korean authorities have arrested a fourth crewman from a Russian tanker accused of attempting to leave the port of Busan without permission.
The 5,000-dwt Palladiy (built 1984) hit the headlines last month when the master and two other seafarers were detained for allegedly "resisting authorities."
"The engine operator was detained yesterday. Authorities continue interrogating the crew," Nikolai Sukhanov, the chairman of the Russian Seafarers' Union, told the Sputnik news agency.
He added two more men would be called to testify.
A crew of 12 have remained on board.
The owner of the vessel has also been arrested, Sukhanov said last month.
Sukhanov said Palladiy has been in South Korea for about four months for repairs. The bill had allegedly not been paid.
A court has issued an arrest order for the vessel, which was detained by Busan port in June over wage arrears.
The union said the owner has since paid most of the wages.
The owner is listed as Far Trans of Vladivostok, which could not be contacted.
