The civilian rescue ship "Sapphire" captured by the Russian invaders, is transported to the Sevastopol port.

This was announced by the captain of "Sapphire", who was given the opportunity to contact the Administration of Sea Ports of Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense reports.

The captain said that there were "green men" on board who kept the crew "at gunpoint." The captain of the invaders arrived on the ship and assumed command.

In this regard, the Odessa Coordination and Rescue Center addressed the Russian warships with the call signs "Bugel-490", "Kas", "Argument", "Bulba", "Hussar", "Vital".

"You illegally seized and detained the Ukrainian rescue ship "Sapphire", which was in the territorial waters of Ukraine near the island of Snake. Your actions are illegal. This is a manifestation of weakness and is classified as a pirate. You have violated all the rules of international maritime law and combat operations at sea. We demand the immediate release of the rescue ship "Sapphire" and not to prevent its departure to the port of Odesa. The seizure of a civilian ship confirms that the Russian military has no honor. By waging war, you are hiding behind civilians. This is another shameful page of your navy. You will never wash away this shame,” from the radio message.

The "Sapphire" civilian rescue vessel is on the balance of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service of Ukraine (MRS). They are designed for patrolling the high seas, rescuing ships in distress, performing sea towing of ships and vessels, firefighting, underwater technical work at depths of up to 50 meters, rescuing people, and providing medical care to victims. At the capture, the ship was carrying out a humanitarian rescue mission.

The actions of the Russian occupiers are classified ecfgabhxclusively as piracy and direct violation of international maritime law and the International Convention on Safe Seas.