Beware Early Reports and Rumors...

Did a Russian warship sink a Chinese dry cargo vessel last weekend? That is the prevailing rumor tonight...

On Sunday night it was reported that a Sierra Leone-flagged dry cargo vessel New Star began to sink in the Sea of Japan near the Russian port of Nakhodka. Half of the 16-member crew drowned, while the other half was rescued by a maritime border guard vessel.

Beginning last night some news reports in Russia were reporting the ship didn't just sink, but was sunk by Russian warships. Naturally, the Chinese media is running with these reports, and a lot of speculation and rumors are surrounding the story of the New Star. This LiveLeak video is a good place to start for those who understand Chinese.

Several western media organizations are picking up the story tonight. It should be noted that there is still a lot speculation, and I have not found a single credible source cited in the news reporting from Russia about this story. If you are looking to update with the prevailing rumors as of tonight, read this.