09-151.pdf

According to Downs (1999), on the afternoon of January 23, a
North Korean patrol torpedo boat approached the American intelligence
vessel more than 16 nautical miles from the coast. In fact,
Lerner points out that the Pueblo was ordered to stay 13 nautical miles
from the coast at all times. In contrast, Hong writes that the North
Koreans claimed that the Pueblo’s position was 7.1 nautical miles from
the coast, in violation of the 12-mile territorial water limit. Using
international signal flags, the North Koreans requested the Pueblo’s
nationality. Upon identifying herself as American, the North Korean
vessel signalled: “Heave to or I will open fire.” The Pueblo’s response
was: “I am in international waters. Intend to remain in the area until
tomorrow.” An hour later, three more North Korean patrol craft
approached the Pueblo. The leading torpedo boat signalled: “Follow
in my wake - I have a pilot aboard.” After North Korean boats had
taken up positions alongside the Pueblo and fired warning shots,
armed North Korean sailors boarded her. At the same time, there were
also MIG planes in the air above.
At 1.45 p.m., the Pueblo radioed Yokosuka naval base that
North Koreans were on board. When North Korean marines boarded
the Pueblo, the crew began to urgently destroy secret materials. When
at 2 p.m., the captain, Commander Lloyd Mark Bucher, ordered the
engines stopped, the leading North Korean patrol boat turned and
opened fire. The other torpedo boats also raked the ship with
machine-gun fire. Fireman Duane Hodges died from his wounds and
four men were wounded. At 2.10, the Pueblo reported being “requested”
to sail to Wônsan, where she would be taken into port within
six hours of being boarded. At 2.32, Commander Bucher reported that
he was going off the air; the Pueblo had surrendered without a fight.
202 Peace-keeping in the Korean Peninsula