Windhoek: South Korean officials on Thursday visited a wartime undersea coal mine in Japan, where the remains of Korean forced laborers were recently discovered.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Chosei coal mine located in Yamaguchi prefecture, experienced a flooding incident in 1942 that resulted in the deaths of 183 individuals. Among the victims were 136 Koreans who had been forcibly mobilized to work at the mine.

Human bone fragments, including a skull, were discovered during an underwater recovery operation in August this year. The discovery has prompted the South Korean government to take action in hopes of bringing closure to families of the victims.

The Ministry of Interior and Safety planned to inspect the coal mine through the visit and explore ways to support the excavation of the remains. Efforts are being made to ensure that the remains are handled with care and respect, and that a thorough investigation is conducted to uncover more about the conditions faced by the forced laborers during wartime.