Hijacking Resolved

A joint South Korea-Japan operation took place to secure the release of the hostages. Prior to boarding, the hijackers appeared on deck and began firing at the incoming vessel. SK-Japanese soldiers boarded the ferry and an immediate firefight occurred. The hijackers continued the firefight below decks, putting the hostages in the line of fire.

The operation was swift and successful. 5 hijackers were killed, 1 was incapacitated and captured. 1 South Korean hostage was killed when the firefight moved below deck.

Once the vessel was secured, Japanese and South Korean special forces discovered 10 dead Japanese bodies on board. The rest of the passengers, of which 180 Japanese and 9 South Koreans, were found unharmed, though malnourished.

STATUS:

• 5 hijackers killed

• 1 hijacker incapacitated

• 1 South Korean killed

• 180 Japanese rescued

• 9 South Koreans rescued