Safety checks on ship with 280 Russians

LONDON (Reuters) -- A cruise ship with 280 Russian passengers on board has been allowed to leave Leith in Scotland after being detained over safety concerns, Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.

The Croatian-registered Damacija was found to have 15 defects, including problems with fire doors and life rafts, the agency said.

The ship, chartered by a Russian tour operator, had been on a two-day stay in Leith.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman Roselyne Skeffington said the ship left Leith for Antwerp on Tuesday.

"The crew on board worked flat out to get everything in order as they were due to leave at 9 p.m. (2000 GMT) to catch the tide," she said.

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