North Korea accused Mexico of illegally holding one of its ships and crew on Wednesday, saying it would take the “necessary measures” to release the vessel.

The DPRK-flagged ship, Mu Du Bong, ran aground 13km from the Mexican port of Tuxpan last July, damaging a reef in the process. A subsequent NK News investigation revealed the ship was sailing without the necessary maritime insurance.

Despite numerous reports of its imminent release, the vessel remains on the East Mexican coast.

“This ship is totally a peaceful and legitimate commercial ship which sails under the