South Korea says a new date has yet to be set for the repatriation of 27 North Koreans who drifted to the South aboard a wooden vessel last month in the Yellow Sea.

The repatriation, which was scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, was delayed due to problems with the ship that was to be used for the repatriation. The same ship that the North Koreans were on when they drifted into South Korean waters will be used for the repatriation.

A government official said that the engine of the ship is still being repaired, adding that Seoul has yet to inform the North of when the North Koreans will be returning home.

The official said a new date will be set after the boat is fixed and that the date depends on weather conditions, adding that the repatriation is likely to take place early next week.