Japan steps up patrolling after North Korea boats found on coast

Japan is stepping up patrols and urging local authorities and fishermen to be on the alert after several boats thought to be from North Korea, some carrying dead bodies, were found on its coast. "The coast guard and police have to cooperate to step up sea patrols around Japan," the chief government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said yesterday when asked about reports that a boat carrying eight dead bodies was found on the coast of Akita prefecture, which faces North Korea.

Coast guard officers inspecting a battered wooden boat where eight bodies were found. Pic/AFP

The boat found Monday appeared to have no flag or other markings and was reported to be "nationality unclear." But the crude vessel with its very low gunwale is similar to other boats often seen operating from North Korea.

8 No. of dead bodies found in a boat

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