Food supplies had to be delivered to a North Korean ferry currently not permitted to enter Vladivostok port in the Russian Far East on Thursday, following distress signals sent by its captain.

According to Russian media, the Mangyongbong ferry and its crew of 30 were running low on supplies as the vessel has been waiting to berth in the Russian ports since January 31.

“Rice, beef, pork, potatoes, cabbage, butter, bread, soy sauce, spices and other products were brought to the ferry half an hour ago, this will be enough for thirty crew members for five days,” Vladimir Baranov, director