A Russian sailor aboard a Mongolian ship was found dead near a Shanghai port early on Wednesday, local border inspectors reported.

Polusa Nikolay, 41, failed to appear on duty and was found dead in his cabin on the ship "Hikary" at 6 a.m.. His death was immediately reported to Shanghai's Jinshan Border Inspection Station.

The ship arrived at a Shanghai pier at about 9 a.m., where inspection and quarantine officers promptly launched an examination of the body. An initial investigation found he had not contracted any infectious disease. The reason for his death remained unknown.

The man was said to have worked on the ship for many years. He was found half-naked from the torso up and there was blood and foam on the floor, according to witnesses.

Shanghai authorities have informed the Russian Consulate General in the city. Further investigation is being carried out to determine the cause of death.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2008)