(MENAFN) A search operation was underway Thursday for a North Korean crew member who remained missing after an auxiliary boat linked to a North Korean merchant vessel sank in international waters between South Korea and Japan.

Three of the four people aboard the boat were rescued, while the fourth remained unaccounted for, according to reports.

The vessel went down roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles) off the southeastern South Korean city of Pohang.

All four crew members were initially reported missing after the incident. Japan’s Coast Guard later located and rescued three of them, while search efforts continued for the remaining crew member.

The Korea Coast Guard has joined the operation alongside Japanese authorities in an effort to locate the missing North Korean national.

South Korean officials said the country’s involvement in the rescue operation was consistent with international law and humanitarian principles.

The South Korean Navy notified the regional coast guard headquarters about the sinking at around 10.50 am local time (0150GMT).

Authorities had not yet released information about the North Korean merchant vessel associated with the sunken craft or explained what caused the auxiliary vessel to sink.

MENAFN17092026000045017640ID1111679060