FM: Bulgarian Sailors Detained in Spain Doing Well

The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the 21 Bulgarian sailors detained on a cocaine-carrying ship in Spain are held under safe conditions.

"The detained Bulgarian citizens have undergone the necessary medical checks and are in good health at the prison in Cadiz," says an official statement released Tuesday.

The Foreign Affairs Minstry further adds that the Bulgarian embassy in Madrid is in constant contact with Spanish authorities over the case.

Attorneys and translators have been assigned to the sailors, who are also allowed to call their relatives in Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian Foreign Affairs Ministry also explains it has asked authorities to allow Bulgarian officials and relatives to visit the detainees.

Last Monday, Bulgarian ship "Sv. Nikolay" was intercepted in the Spanish port of Cadiz, carrying 3 tonnes of cocaine, presumably from Latin America.

None of the 21 Bulgarians arrested in Spain, part of the 31-member crew, have prior criminal records.