Two N.K. patrols cross maritime border

Two North Korean patrol boats entered South Korea`s territorial waters Tuesday morning by crossing the Northern Limit Line (NLL) about 1.1 miles (2 km) west of Yonpyong Island, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday.

One of the vessels stayed within southern territory from 9:25 am to 9:40 am, and the crossed back at 9:30 am, staying six minutes. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said the violation seems to have been inadvertent, as the patrol boats were accompanying three vessels, two of which were identified as fishing boats.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff added that the South Korean Navy gave orders four speed boats that were cruising the region near the island to respond to the violation.

It was the fourth time this year that a North Korean patrol boat has infiltrated the South`s territorial waters. The other incidents occurred on Feb. 5, Mar. 3, and last Monday. The Joint Chiefs of Staff is seeking an explanation from North Korea for the violations.

Lee Chol-Hi klimt@donga.com