TAE GAK BONG
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Dead bodies found off Japan
The partially decomposed bodies of two North Korean sailors were found in the waters off Japan on Apr 27/28, 2013. Both sailors had been crew members on the "Tae Gak Bong" that went missing in late December 2012. The first sailor was discovered at Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture. A North Korean loyalty badge was found on Apr 27 in his possession along with $290 in U.S. currency. The second body was found on Apr 28 near Japan's Oga Peninsula. He was reportedly carrying a metal tube containing photographs of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Un. NK News speculates the photos were taken from the ship's bridge, perhaps saved by the sailor out of loyalty or to protect himself. The "Tae Gak Bong" had gone adrift on Dec 17, 2013, after an engine failure had disabled the ship's navigation system and steering controls. 24 crew members escaped the ship on a life raft, and North Korean authorities were reportedly notified of the incident, though it remains unclear if the other crew members were rescued. It's still unknown what happened to the vessel or its cargo.
Abandoned, no news on vessel or crew fate
North Korean general cargo vessel Dae(Tae) Gak Bong issued distress signal on Dec 9 12 in position 41-29N 131-02E, some 50 miles off North Korean coast, Japan sea. Disabled vessel was adrift after engine failure and total blackout. MRCC Vladivostok relayed information to North Korean authorities. Notices to Mariners on Dec 15 reported that the 24 crew left the vessel on a life raft. No other information as to the fate of crew or vessel available. See map Maritime Bulletin http://www.odin.tc/news/read.asp?articleID=1638
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