A South Korean patrol boat Monday rescued a North Korean fishing boat with a crew of five that had been drifting for 27 days following engine failure, the Navy said Tuesday.
The Navy ship rescued the fishermen who were aboard a one-ton wooden boat drifting 31 miles northeast of Ulleung Island in the South's East Sea at about 2:30 p.m. Monday, a Navy spokesman said.
The boat left the North's South Hamkyung Province on Nov. 13 and floated into southern waters after its engine broke after one day, the spokesman said. The fishermen were suffering from hypothermia and starvation following their 27-day ordeal.
South Korean officials said the North Korean sailors will be allowed to return to the North in their vessel in accordance with their will as soon as they recover.
A South Korean Navy ship also rescued two North Korean soldiers in the East Sea last December. After receiving medical treatment at a military hospital, they returned to North Korea.