The Ministry of Unification has requested North Korea's cooperation in the search and repatriation of a Navy sailor who went missing while on patrol in the East Sea, citing humanitarian grounds.
The ministry stated today, July 12, that it has requested North Korea's assistance, noting the possibility that the missing service member may have drifted into waters north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL).
According to the Navy, the sailor was confirmed missing in waters approximately 50 kilometers east of Geojin-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon Province, an area near the NLL.
Authorities believe there is a possibility that the sailor may have drifted into the area north of the NLL due to ocean currents.
The Unification Ministry stated, "Our Navy is currently searching for the missing person," and added that it has requested North Korea "to cooperate in the search and repatriation of the missing person from a humanitarian perspective."
As inter-Korean communication lines are currently severed, the ministry explained that it is making the request for cooperation through media reports and other channels.
Earlier, the Navy announced, "One crew member of a Navy vessel performing patrol duties went missing this morning, July 12, in waters approximately 50 kilometers east of Geojin in the East Sea," adding that it has deployed ships and aircraft in a joint operation with the Coast Guard to search for the missing sailor.
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