MOSCOW, December 15 (RIA Novosti) - The situation surrounding the Russian ship detained in North Korean waters by the country's frontier guards December 5 will be settled after the ship's captain permits the inspection of the vessel, the North Korean ambassador to Russia said Thursday.

Pak Ui Chun said the Terney, trying to escape a storm, neared the shores of North Korea on December 5, but did not signal distress. He confirmed that the ship is currently at the port of Kimchaek.

The Terney was returning to the Russian Pacific port of Vladivostok from the South Korean port of Busan when it encountered a heavy storm in the Sea of Japan.

According to the ship's log, the captain changed course toward the North Korean coast after receiving permission from local authorities to enter the country's territorial waters.

However, North Korean authorities detained the Russian vessel and escorted it to the port of Kimchaek.