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The North Korean cargo ship named “DABAKSOL” sent a rescue request to the Cheonghae unit at 11:30 a.m. (Korean time). The South Korean Cheonghae unit that was deployed to the sea near Somalia to protect cargo ships from pirates came to DABAKSOL’s rescue.

The 4,500-ton level destroyer MUNMUDAEWANG in the Chenghae unit received the request through an international commercial vessel communication network, and sent a LYNX helicopter. The LYNX helicopter arrived at 12:20 p.m. after flying 96km, and positioned itself to open fire on the pirates. After ten minutes, the pirates retreated from the North Korean ship. After returning to safety, the sailors of the North Korean cargo ship offered their thanks to the South Korean crew and continued on their way to their destination in India.

An official of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, “This is the first time that the South Korean navy has rescued a North Korean cargo ship from a pirate’s attack. According to the international law of the sea, we should help all vessel regardless of their nationality.”

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