進入英語學習論壇下載音頻

Finish authorities confirmed that a shipment of 69 surface-to-air Patriot missiles was destined for Republic of Korea (ROK) instead of Shanghai, as earlier reports said.

According to Finish national broadcaster YLE TV, the ship, which also carried around 160 tons of explosives, originated from Germany and was headed for the ROK. It made port in Finland to pick up a consignment of anchor chain for delivery to China.

The M/S Thor Liberty -a British-flagged cargo ship and owned by Danish firm Thorco - is registered in the Isle of Man, a self-governing territory under the British Crown.

Finnish police say they have detained two crew members.

Detective Superintendent Timo Virtanen of the Finish National Bureau of Investigation says the captain and first mate of the ship - both Ukrainians - are suspected of breaking Finnish laws that forbid the export of weapons.

The ship sailed from the north German port of Emden on Dec 13 and two days later docked in Kotka, southern Finland.

Finnish Customs spokesman Petri Lounatmaa said investigating officers didn't know the origin of the Patriot missiles or who was supposed to receive them.

Interior Minister Paivi Rasanen said she had not heard of a similar case.

"Of course, there are legal transports of weapons or defense material (through Finland), but in this case the cargo was marked as containing fireworks," Rasanen told YLE TV. "That is quite unusual."

Lounatmaa said customs officials and police have launched a joint investigation into a possible breach of Finnish export and weapons trading laws.

Questions:

1. How many missiles were found?

2. What is the name of the cargo ship?

3. What is the nationality of the captain and first mate?

Answers:

1. 69

2. M/S Thor Liberty

3. Ukrainians

（中國日報網英語點津 Rosy 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.