Russian patrol 'kills Japanese fisherman'

TOKYO - A Japanese fisherman reportedly died after a Russian patrol fired on a boat, prompting Japan to protest over the first fatality in 50 years in a territorial dispute.

Japan's Foreign Ministry said it may seek an apology and compensation.

It demanded the release of the craft and its three remaining crew, who were seized east of Hokkaido.

The Russian Embassy said the boat defied an order to stop and was seized in Russian waters.

Japan and Russia are locked in a dispute over four islands known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kuriles in Russia.

- REUTERS