North Korea has detained three officials from a shipyard amid an investigation into a mishap that occurred during the launch of a new warship on Wednesday, according to state media reports. Satellite imagery revealed that the 5,000-ton destroyer, which tipped off balance during its launch ceremony, is currently lying on its side and covered in large blue tarpaulins.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) specified that the officials detained include the chief engineer from the Chongjin shipyard, along with the construction lead and an administrative manager, who were deemed "responsible for the accident." On Friday, Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard's manager, was also summoned by law enforcement for questioning.
Initial assessments indicated that parts of the vessel were crushed during the launch. However, KCNA later reported a more moderate evaluation, claiming that while the hull's starboard was scratched, there were no significant breaches to the ship's bottom. Additionally, there were no reports of injuries or casualties associated with this incident, which is uncommon for the notoriously secretive North Korean regime.
Kim Jong Un expressed his dissatisfaction over the commission of the accident, attributing it to "absolute carelessness and irresponsible behavior" and warned that those responsible would face consequences at a forthcoming plenary meeting.
This accident coincides with the recent unveiling of a new 5,000-ton destroyer, named the Choe Hyon, which Kim heralded as a notable advancement for North Korea's naval capabilities. The incident raises questions regarding operational safety and accountability within North Korea's military projects, as well as its troubling human rights record in addressing such matters.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) specified that the officials detained include the chief engineer from the Chongjin shipyard, along with the construction lead and an administrative manager, who were deemed "responsible for the accident." On Friday, Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard's manager, was also summoned by law enforcement for questioning.
Initial assessments indicated that parts of the vessel were crushed during the launch. However, KCNA later reported a more moderate evaluation, claiming that while the hull's starboard was scratched, there were no significant breaches to the ship's bottom. Additionally, there were no reports of injuries or casualties associated with this incident, which is uncommon for the notoriously secretive North Korean regime.
Kim Jong Un expressed his dissatisfaction over the commission of the accident, attributing it to "absolute carelessness and irresponsible behavior" and warned that those responsible would face consequences at a forthcoming plenary meeting.
This accident coincides with the recent unveiling of a new 5,000-ton destroyer, named the Choe Hyon, which Kim heralded as a notable advancement for North Korea's naval capabilities. The incident raises questions regarding operational safety and accountability within North Korea's military projects, as well as its troubling human rights record in addressing such matters.
