The North Korean shipyard accident, which occurred in the presence of its leader, unveils the repercussions of carelessness amid an ongoing military modernization.
North Korea's New Warship Faces Setback After Shipyard Accident
North Korea's New Warship Faces Setback After Shipyard Accident
Satellite imagery reveals significant damage to a North Korean warship following an incident that Kim Jong Un has labeled a "criminal act."
Recent satellite images have unveiled the distressing aftermath of a shipyard accident in North Korea, showcasing a new warship toppled and covered in blue tarpaulins. The ship, which was involved in a mishap during a state event with Kim Jong Un, appears to have sustained considerable damage, including being tipped on its side.
An investigation has officially been initiated, with Kim deriding the incident as a "criminal act". Reports from the North Korean state news agency, KCNA, have attempted to downplay the severity of the situation, asserting that no injuries occurred and that the damage is manageable. It was clarified that the hull's starboard side was merely scratched, rather than punctured, allowing water to seep into the vessel through the rescue channel.
In response to the accident, the shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho, has been summoned for questioning by authorities. According to KCNA, reparations to the destroyer's side are projected to require approximately 10 days. Kim Jong Un has attributed the failure to "absolute carelessness and unscientific empiricism" and promised repercussions for those accountable during the plenary meeting scheduled for the next month.
This rare public acknowledgment of a local incident is exceptionally unusual for North Korea, which historically keeps such affairs under wraps. The shipyard accident coincides with previous announcements of a new 5,000-ton destroyer unveiled in recent weeks, which Kim had touted as a significant advancement in North Korea's naval capabilities and is set to join the fleet by early next year.
