Korean sea skirmish

SEOUL, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Ships from the North and South Korean navies exchanged gunfire Tuesday off the western coast of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean officials said their warship fired on the North's vessel after it crossed a boundary line. The North said the action was a "grave armed provocation" on its ship, which was investigating an object in the water.

South Korea, which sought an apology for the alleged incursion, said the North Korean boat was on fire as it fled. Pyongyang claimed its navy's "prompt retaliatory blow" after which "a group of warships of the South Korean forces hastily took flight to the water of their side."

Last month, North Korea claimed ships from the South crossed into its waters several times to provoke action.