North Korean fishermen washed up in Japan 'not defectors and want to return home'
Men deny trying to escape Kim Jong-un regime and merely suffered boat malfunction
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eight men found on Japan's northern coast are thought to be from North Korea and were apparently washed ashore after their boat broke down.
The fishermen want to return home and Japanese investigators believe the men are not defectors.
Akita prefectural police said on Friday they found the men late on Thursday after receiving a call about suspicious men standing around at the seaside in Yurihonjo town.
Police also found a wooden boat reportedly carrying squid at a nearby marina.
Police said the Korean-speaking men were in good health and identified themselves as North Koreans who were fishing before the boat broke down and washed ashore.
Wreckage believed to be from North Korean boats regularly washes ashore in northern Japan during winter due to seasonal winds.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments