North and South Korean ships exchange fire
A North Korean naval ship suffered heavy damage today during an exchange of gunfire between the two Koreas along a disputed sea border off their western coasts, officials said.
There were no reports of casualties, but the North Korean vessel reportedly turned and headed for port after the clash.
The North Korean vessel crossed a demarcation line into southern waters about 10:30 a.m., prompting a South Korean warship to fire several warning shots, according to a news release from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“There are no casualties on our side. We are fully prepared for any further provocation from North Korea,” the statement said.
A South Korean naval officer told Yonhap news service that heavy black smoke was seen on the horizon and that the Northern vessel was heavily damaged.
The ship had returned fire but missed.
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