US seizes North Korean coal ship ‘Wise Honest’, accuses Pyongyang of violating sanctions

Justice Department officials say vessel was used to illicitly ship coal and deliver heavy machinery to North Korea

This is the first time US has seized a ‘sanctions-busting’ North Korean ship

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An undated photo released on Thursday shows the North Korean cargo ship Wise Honest. Photo: US Justice Department via AP

Published: 2:14am, 10 May 2019Updated: 9:27pm, 10 May 2019

US authorities have seized a North Korean ship used to sell coal in alleged violation of international sanctions, Justice Department officials said on Thursday.

They confirmed the ship, the “Wise Honest”, is approaching US territorial waters, with coordination of the US Marshals and the coastguard.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un attends a welcoming ceremony and reviews an honour guard at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi in March. Photo: AFP

Officials said it was the first time the US has seized a North Korean cargo vessel for violating international sanctions.

“This sanctions-busting ship is now out of service,” US Assistant Attorney General John Demers said in announcing the seizure.

This sanctions-busting ship is now out of service

John Demers, US assistant attorney general

The 17,601-tonne, single hull bulk carrier ship is one of North Korea’s largest carriers, and US authorities said it was used to illicitly ship coal and deliver heavy machinery to North Korea.

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