The Soviet Union insisted that Belenko had lost his way and later that he had been drugged by the Japanese. Japanese fishing vessels were seized and their crews imprisoned in what was thought to be retaliation for Japan not returning Belenko and not sending the MiG back promptly."Russ Seize Japanese Fishermen". Chicago Tribune. September 13, 1976. Retrieved August 28, 2017 Pilot to remain in US, Red Persuasion Fails September 30, 1976 page 20 Amarillo Globe-Times Retrieved August 27, 2017 Japan to Protest Fishing Ship Seizure October 8, 1976 page 53 Times Herald-Record Retrieved August 28, 2017
