South Korea has requested North Korea's cooperation in the search for a missing navy seaman who disappeared while on duty near the maritime border separating the two countries in the East Sea. The appeal was made through South Korea's Ministry of Unification, which said the sailor may have drifted across the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the disputed maritime boundary between the two Koreas.

According to South Korean authorities, the seaman went missing on July 12 while participating in a coast guard-related naval operation. Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched by the South Korean Navy, while officials acknowledged the possibility that ocean currents could have carried the missing sailor north of the maritime boundary.

With no active inter-Korean communication channel currently in operation, Seoul delivered its humanitarian request through a public message released by the Ministry of Unification. The statement urged North Korea to assist in the search and facilitate the safe return of the missing sailor should he be located in waters under its control, emphasizing that the appeal was made on humanitarian grounds.

The incident comes amid continued efforts by South Korea\'s government to reduce tensions and improve relations with Pyongyang. Despite several diplomatic overtures in recent months, North Korea has largely maintained its distance from dialogue, and there has been no immediate public response from Pyongyang regarding the request for assistance.

In a later development reported by South Korean media, the missing seaman was reportedly found dead after an extensive search operation. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the death, and investigations are expected to continue.