For two months now, Japan has been tormented by a frightening mystery: at least twelve boats were found drifting in its waters. Their cargo — dead human bodies, often deformed and decomposing — adds fuel to the fire. The first ship was discovered in October, and subsequent ones began appearing a month later.
The Coast Guard is working hard to figure out where the ghost ships came from and what happened on board.
Officials said Representatives, on one of the ships it was written Korean People's Army, and on the other a piece of fabric was found that resembled the flag of North Korea. This suggests that at least some of the ships sailed from there.
Yoshihiko Yamada, a maritime expert, noted that the discovered boats are similar to those used by refugees from North Korea. He also offered his version of how these boats ended up off the coast of Japan.
"Such vessels are made of wood, they are heavy, old and not fast enough, and their engines do not have enough power. They simply would not have been able to cope with the current."
Yamada is not the only one who believes that the ships could belong to refugees. Chatham House's John Neilson-Wright said: "For many, life in North Korea is extraordinarily difficult. Whether it's the country's economy or the pursuit of political freedom, it's no surprise that some are willing to risk their lives to escape."
source: edition.cnn.com
