Ukraine arrests Belarus rowers for illegal entry[Belarus's national rowing team]

Reuters ^ | 20 March 2007 | Reuters

[FLOutdoorsman]

Ukrainian border guards arrested Belarus's national rowing team on Tuesday for illegally entering the country on a flotilla of eight boats.

The border guard service said a coast guard vessel was dispatched to intercept and detain 10 rowers who had crossed into Ukrainian waters on the border with Transdniestria, a region of ex-Soviet Moldova controlled by separatists.

Team members told officials they were unaware they had crossed the border in the southern Ukrainian region. They now face charges in court.

News reports said the Belarussians had been invited to train for the world championship in Transdniestria as reservoirs in their ex-Soviet state, further north, were still covered in ice.

[Red Badger]

Up the creek without a visa?..,.......

[neodad]

Up a creek without a visa?

[neodad]

Oops, I guess I should have read the responses.

[The Pack Knight]

This reminds me of that balloon race back in 1995 where one was shot down by a Belarus Hind. Two Americans died. I guess the lesson here is wandering around the Eastern Bloc is not a game, even today.

[massgopguy]

They're only rowing the boats that Ukrainians won't row anymore.

[Red Badger]

Responses? Who reads responses?................Heck, I barely read the headlines!......

[The Pack Knight]

Rower: Ha ha, the Ukraine. Do you know what the Ukraine is? It's a sitting duck. A road apple, Vasily. The Ukraine is weak. It's feeble. I think it's time to put the hurt on the Ukraine.

Border Guard: I come from Ukraine. You not say Ukraine weak.

Rower: Yeah, well we're playing a game here, pal.

Border Guard: Ukraine is game to you?! How about I take your little boat and smash it!!