North Korea has detained three senior shipyard officials following a major mishap during the launch of a new 5,000-ton destroyer, which tipped off balance when parts of its underside were crushed mid-ceremony, state media has reported.
The detained individuals include the chief engineer, construction head, and administrative manager of the Chongjin shipyard, where the vessel was built. KCNA, the state-run news agency, said the trio were “responsible for the accident”, with the shipyard’s manager, Hong Kil Ho, also summoned by law enforcement.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the incident as a “criminal act” caused by “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.” He vowed that those responsible would face consequences at a Workers’ Party plenary meeting next month.
Satellite images show the stricken warship lying on its side, partially on land and concealed beneath blue tarpaulins. While early reports suggested the hull had been breached, KCNA insisted there were no holes, stating instead that the starboard side was scratched and some seawater entered the stern.
North Korea rarely discloses such internal failings, making this public admission significant. The incident follows the recent unveiling of another destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim had hailed as a “breakthrough” in modernising the country’s naval forces.
The fate of the detained officials remains uncertain, with North Korea’s record of harsh punitive measures raising concerns among observers.
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