SEOUL (REUTERS) - An unmanned drone crashed on a South Korean island near disputed maritime border with North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday, citing an unnamed government official from the South.

The drone fell on Baeknyeong island on Monday when North Korea fired hundreds of artillery rounds in seas close to a disputed maritime line, triggering a similar show of strength from South Korea in response.

The nationality and purpose of the drone were not disclosed, although Yonhap reported that South Korean military was looking into any possible link to North Korea's espionage operations, the source said.