N. Korean fishermen rescued in East Sea: gov`t

SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Six North Korean fishermen who were rescued in South Korean waters in the East Sea earlier in the week were scheduled to be sent home, the government said Thursday.

The Unification Ministry said the six-person crew was detected 16 km northeast of
Goseong, Gangwon Province on Tuesday after their 15-ton wooden boat had
mechanical problems.
The ministry said the crew members were questioned by authorities, but no
evidence was found linking them to espionage or other hostile activities.
Sources said that because the fishermen, who had sailed from Changjon near Mount
Geumgang, expressed a desire to return home, Seoul contacted North Korean
officials to discuss how to send them back.
The ministry said that it will contact the North again on Friday to work out
details of the return.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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