A small North Korean boat carrying five sailors crossed the maritime border into South Korean waters in the East Sea Saturday.

A government source in Seoul said that the boat was spotted in the waters off Gangneung near the Northern Limit Line in the East Sea Saturday evening and was guided southward by the Coast Guard.

The coast guard is interviewing the five North Koreans, who have reportedly expressed their wish to defect to South Korea.

The incident happened after South Korea rescued a North Korean boat carrying eight sailors drifting in the East Sea due to engine problems on June 23rd. The eight sailors were sent back to the North three days later, upon their request.

South Korea has rescued a total of 28 North Korean sailors on seven occasions this year. Out of that total, 21 were sent back and two defected to South Korea.

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