N. Korean Fisherman to Be Repatriated Tomorrow

A rescued North Korean fisherman found while drifting in South
Korean waters is scheduled to be repatriated on December 23rd.

“The fisherman, found drifting in a 72-t trawler around the
Dokdo islets was rescued safely by the Coast Guard on December 19th,” an
official from the Unification Ministry stated today.

The North Korean vessel is known to have departed from
Tanchon Harbor in South Hamgyung Province, and while out on the open water, the boat’s anchor rope snapped and set
the boat adrift.

According to the official, the operator of the vessel is a young man in his 20s who expressed his desire to return to his homeland.

The Ministry of Unification notified North Korea today, via the
liaison channel at Panmunjeom, of Seoul’s plans to return the fisherman
and his vessel at 10a.m. [KST] tomorrow by crossing over the NLL [Northern
Limit Line] in the East Sea.