North Korean Fishermen Rescued Near Ulleung Island Seek Defection to South Korea
Some members of a North Korean fishing crew rescued by the South Korean military after drifting in waters north of Ulleung Island have expressed a desire to defect to South Korea. The vessel was found drifting in international waters on November 3 and was subsequently towed by the South Korean Navy and Coast Guard. While some crew members indicated a wish to defect during initial questioning, the majority have expressed a desire to return to North Korea. An interagency investigation team is currently questioning the crew to determine if there are any national security threats, such as espionage, and to confirm their final intentions. The South Korean government plans to respect the wishes of all crew members, with repatriation procedures for those who wish to return expected to begin after the investigation concludes by mid-November.
