Japanese officials say they are questioning nine people who claim to be North Korean defectors trying to make their way to South Korea.

Coast Guard officials say the people were discovered early Tuesday drifting in an eight-meter wooden boat off Japan's western coast. They said the group included three men, three women and three children.

Japanese media quoted sources as saying the leader of the group told rescuers he was a member of the North Korean military and that the other eight are members of his family.

In the past, Japan has allowed confirmed North Korean refugees to travel freely to South Korea.