South Korean Boat Suspected Seized by Nort

A South Korean fishing boat is suspected to have been detained by North Korea after crossing the sea frontier, the South Korean military said Friday.

The 3.7 tonne vessel, the Kyolsong-Ho, went missing while operating near the island of Paekryong in the Yellow Sea, an official of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff told the official Yonhap news agency.

The incident could become a test of the new spirit of reconciliation between North and South Korea after their historic summit this week.

North and South navy vessels clashed a year ago over fishing rights in one disputed zone. Normally, fishing vessels that stray over the frontier, known as the Northern Limit Line, are returned after a few days.

The Kyolsong-ho did not return to the island at its usual time Thursday night and no emergency calls have been received, the official said.

The official said the vessel had probably mistakenly crossed over the border while operating in seas near the Northern Limit Line.





People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/