The frigate Shtandart is a functioning training sailing ship, an exact replica of Peter the Great's flagship. It participates in various maritime festivals, sailing along routes in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean year-round, teaching maritime skills to those interested.
Both Russians and citizens of other countries who love the sea can try themselves as sailors on the frigate during voyages. Both adults and children, including teenagers, participate in these voyages. Additionally, those interested can visit the frigate for a tour while it is in port. Following the 2022 ban by the EU on ships flying the Russian flag entering ports, the frigate Shtandart began sailing under the flag of the Cook Islands.
Following its schedule, the frigate arrived at the Spanish port of Vigo on July 25 to disembark participants of the voyage and take on the next group. Additionally, it was necessary to replenish dwindling supplies of food and water, do laundry, and carry out equipment repairs on the Shtandart.
Captain Vladimir Martus noted that the Shtandart has an "international crew" of 15 people, including three teenagers aged 13, 14, and 18. However, the frigate was not allowed into the port, despite the fact that its continued presence in the waters without food and water threatened the safety of the people on board.
By July 27, the situation had slightly improved: they managed to approach the shores of La Isla de Arosa, a municipality in Spain that is part of the province of Pontevedra within the autonomous community of Galicia.
Due to being denied entry into the port of Vigo, we decided to anchor near the island of Illa de Arousa. The crew can go ashore to do laundry and replenish food supplies. Thanks to the friendly support of local residents who offered to help deliver water on their fishing boats, it can be said that the water supply issue has been resolved. Today, representatives of the maritime authorities came aboard to discuss the Shtandart's request for asylum. They spoke with the captain, and he explained our situation and problems. We hope to receive permission to remain at anchor until August 5, when we can change the crew. According to our sailing plan, we will continue our journey on August 5.
However, later the Maritime Authority of Galicia asked the Russians to leave Spanish territorial waters. According to IA TASS, they noted that "the frigate entered the waters of the kingdom without permission". Around 19:45 Moscow time on July 27, the frigate began the procedure of exiting into the 12-mile zone, from where it will try to get help. The full repair has not been carried out.
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