South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has moved to quell speculation and clarify the circumstances surrounding a Russian vessel’s recent visit to Cape Town. In a statement released earlier this month, the BMA dismissed “misleading claims” that have circulated regarding the ship, which docked in the port earlier in the month of August.

Officials from the BMA, Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO), and the Home Affairs and Defence departments said the vessel was granted full diplomatic clearance by DIRCO and only stopped for resupply, rest, and recuperation. Prior to its arrival, these officials agreed that the crew, who hold seafarer identification but not passports, would not be allowed to disembark. When a private company later attempted to arrange shore leave for the sailors, the request was denied in line with immigration law.

The BMA also stressed that at no point did any department request a waiver of immigration procedures for the Russian crew. The authority insists that all actions taken were consistent with South African legal requirements and encourages the public to report any suspicious activity in the country’s ports.