On Wednesday, the government repatriated six North Korean citizens who had drifted into South Korean waters in the East and West Seas.
The repatriation took place around 9:00 a.m.(KST) near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the East Sea. South Korean forces escorted them to the vicinity of the NLL and transferred custody to a North Korean patrol boat.
Two of these individuals had entered waters south of the NLL on March 7 while adrift in a fishing vessel and were subsequently rescued by South Korean authorities.
In May, four more North Korean citizens were rescued after their wooden boat drifted across the NLL in the East Sea. All six individuals consistently expressed their desire to return to North Korea.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification spokesperson informed reporters that the vessel carrying the North Koreans rescued in the West Sea was inoperable due to engine failure. However, the boat of those rescued in the East Sea was deemed seaworthy after inspection. With the consent of all six individuals, they were repatriated on a single vessel.
The official noted that North Korean vessels were present at the designated transfer point. A boat presumed to be for towing and what appeared to be a fishing vessel were waiting in advance. The boat carrying the six North Koreans was observed to depart under its own power after the transfer had been completed.
The spokesperson emphasized that it has worked in cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure a safe and swift repatriation of these North Korean citizens on humanitarian grounds. Further noting that throughout the process, it repeatedly verified their voluntary intent to return and, in collaboration with pertinent agencies, ensured their safety until the moment of transfer.