A number of Russian tanker crewmen have been arrested in South Korea for allegedly "resisting authorities."
The master and two or three other seafarers were handcuffed and taken ashore in an apparent dispute over a repair bill, according to Nikolai Sukhanov, chairman of the Far Eastern regional branch of the Seafarers' Union of Russia, who was quoted by the Interfax news agency.
The owner of the vessel has also been arrested, he said.
The South Korean Coast Guard has escorted the 5,000-dwt Palladiy (built 1984) back to Busan.
The ship allegedly tried to leave the port without permission on Tuesday.
"We have managed to contact a Palladiy crewmember. He told us that the owner, the captain, and two or three crew members that resisted the Coast Guard were cuffed and taken ashore after the ship was escorted to Busan," Sukhanov said.
Sukhanov added the men will be questioned within 72 hours, and an indictment may follow.
The remaining crew have been told not to leave the ship.
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.
