The Japan Coast Guard rescued three North Koreansailors after a boat being towed by aNorth Korean cargo ship sank off Japan’s northwestern coast. One other crew member remained missing following the incident.

North Korea’s Rescue Coordination Centersent distress notifications to maritime authorities in Japan, South Korea, and Russia. It reported that four crew members had fallen overboard about104 kilometers southwest of Nishinoshima Island in the Oki Islands.

The Japan Coast Guard deployed patrol vessels and aircraft to the area, which is within Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Three crew members were recovered during the operation. Two were conscious, while the third was unresponsive and presumed dead, according to the Coast Guard.

Japanese authorities were investigating the identities of the crew members, the purpose of the smaller boat, and its connection to the North Korean cargo vessel. The search for the missing sailor and arrangements concerning the rescued crew members remained under coordination.