Bulk carrier to change Ukrainian crew before visiting Russian port, as a precaution

Capesize bulk carrier VITUS BERING stopped short of port of destination, Murmansk, some 15 nm off easternmost Norway, with the intention of changing 12 of its’ crew via Vardo port Norway, writes Norwegian news agency NRK on Apr 20. 12 crew, all of Ukrainian nationality, are to be replaced. NRK believes Ukrainian sailors don’t want to visit Russian port, while Vardo Traffic Control Center says no explanation was given in crew change notice and application.
Comment: Whether it’s manager precaution or Ukrainian sailors fears, both ways, it is well-founded. Cases of Ukrainian sailors seized on board of foreign ships at Russian ports were already registered. They’ve been apprehend as allegedly, suspects in “terrorism” activities, or for “spreading fakes and lies”, with regards to Russian invasion. So of course, it’s better to stay on the safe side, and replace all Ukrainians with any other nationality, not yet blacklisted by Kremlin.