Pyongyang says it is investigating stray South Korean fishing boat

(ATTN: UPDATES with new contact with N.K.)
SEOUL, July 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said it is investigating a South Korean
fishing boat towed to a North Korean port after it strayed across the border in
the East Sea, South Korea's Unification Ministry said Thursday.

"A pertinent organization is investigating" the case, the ministry quoted a North
Korean official as saying through a maritime phone channel at 3 p.m.
South Korea asked the North to keep it informed, the ministry said.
The 29-ton boat named "800 Yeonanho," carrying four crewmembers, was seized by a
North Korean patrol boat early Thursday morning after it strayed into North
Korean territory in the East Sea. Officials said the squid boat appeared to have
experienced a malfunction in its satellite navigation system or was not equipped
with one.
hkim@yna.co.kr
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