MOSCOW, July 16 (UPI) -- A Russian Pacific Fleet supply ship rescued a North Korean schooner in the Sea of Japan Tuesday and escorted it to the port of Nakhodka, navy officials said.
The fleet sailors were resupplying ships taking part in ongoing naval exercises when they received a distress signal from the schooner, which had drifted off course, RIA Novosti said.
The supply vessel located the schooner, offered medical assistance and food to those on board, and towed the vessel into port.
"Now the vessel is in the hands of the local authorities. The Pacific Fleet vessel will go back to carrying out the tasks set during the snap inspections to test the combat readiness of the Eastern Military District," fleet spokesman Capt. 1st Rank Roman Martov said.
The Russian exercise was ordered by President Vladimir Putin Friday and began Saturday.
The test involves 160,000 servicemen, 5,000 tanks and 70 warships and will end July 20.
