N. Korean Defector Undetected For Hours After Swimming To South
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published February 24, 2021 | 11:58 AM
A North Korean defector wore a diving suit and fins during a daring six-hour swim around one of the world's most fortified borders, a Seoul official said, and was caught only after apparently falling asleep
Seoul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Feb, 2021 ) :A North Korean defector wore a diving suit and fins during a daring six-hour swim around one of the world's most fortified borders, a Seoul official said, and was caught only after apparently falling asleep.
Bungling South Korean forces did not spot the man's audacious exploit despite him appearing several times on CCTV after he landed and triggering alarms, drawing heavy criticism from media and opposition MPs.
Even after his presence was noticed, the man -- who used diving gear to make his way by sea around the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula -- was not caught for another three hours.
The man, reportedly in his 20s, landed north of the town of Goseong on the east coast.
"He presumably had swum for about six hours, wearing a padded jacket inside a diving suit and fins. His clothing appeared to have kept him warm and allowed him to stay afloat," an unnamed Joint Chiefs of Staff official was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency on Tuesday.
Tidal currents worked in his favour, the official said, and he abandoned most of his equipment before making his way through a drainage channel under the barbed-wire fences that run along the coast.
Over more than three hours surveillance cameras caught him eight times, audible alarms sounding twice, but border guards did not notice.
Eventually a manhunt was launched, and troops found him three hours later, apparently asleep, his facemask hanging in a tree.
Officials say the defector, presumed to have been a civilian in the North, has expressed a desire to defect.
The military acknowledged troops had "failed to abide by due procedures" and vowed to strengthen border security.
And in a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday, Defence Minister Suh Wook acknowledged that surveillance systems in the area were "malfunctioning and outdated".
Only a handful of Northern defectors ever directly cross the DMZ or swim past the maritime border -- although the last such publicly known incident was in November, when questions about security were also raised.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
02 proclaimed offenders arrested by Wah Police
Pakistan level T20I series with nine-run victory over New Zealand
Minister meets Chinese Consul General, discusses bilateral cooperation, Chinese ..
More Stories From World
-
Italian PM Meloni says will stand in EU elections
15 minutes ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
25 minutes ago -
Celtic down Dundee to stay on course for Scottish Premiership crown
35 minutes ago -
Ireland will act to send asylum seekers back to UK: PM
35 minutes ago -
Kainz keeps Cologne's hope alive with late equaliser at Mainz
35 minutes ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
55 minutes ago
-
Inter continue Serie A title party as Bologna slip in Champions League bid
1 hour ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
1 hour ago -
Tesla CEO Musk meets China's number two official in Beijing
1 hour ago -
Arsenal survive Spurs fightback to boost title charge
1 hour ago -
Bangladesh recall Saifuddin for Zimbabwe T20s
1 hour ago -
Pakistani youth asked to carry forward spirit of Pak-China all-weather friendship
3 hours ago