Navy searches for sailor missing near NLL

A South Korean Navy sailor has gone missing from a frigate patrolling near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the East Sea, and military authorities have launched a search operation.

The Navy said Sunday that the enlisted sailor disappeared while the frigate was on a routine patrol about 50 kilometers east of Geojin-eup in Goseong County. The missing servicemember holds the rank of private first class.

According to the Navy, the sailor was last seen in an interior corridor by the watchstander making overnight security rounds between midnight and 2 a.m. His disappearance was discovered after he failed to report for duty at 8 a.m.

"We searched every compartment aboard the ship but could not find him," a Navy official said. "We are also reviewing onboard surveillance footage covering the period after he was last seen." The Navy said it is examining every possibility, including whether the sailor accidentally went overboard and whether there were any unusual circumstances surrounding his life aboard the ship.

The Navy and the Korea Coast Guard have mobilized about 10 vessels and several aircraft for a joint search operation. Nearby fishing boats and commercial ships passing through the area have also been asked to assist, the Navy said. According to military officials, North Korea was notified of the incident through international maritime communication channels that are accessible to the North.


Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com