North Korea has taken the unusual step of detaining three officials linked to a mishap during the launch of a new warship, according to reports from state media. The incident occurred on Wednesday when a 5,000-ton destroyer suffered structural damage, causing it to tip off balance during the ceremony. KCNA, the state’s official news agency, has described the event as a "criminal act" and is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the launch.
The individuals detained include the chief engineer of the Chongjin shipyard, where the warship was constructed, alongside the head of construction and an administrative manager. KCNA indicated that these officials were deemed "responsible for the accident." Additionally, Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager, has been summoned by law enforcement for questioning.
Satellite imagery reveals the warship currently lying on its side, covered by large blue tarpaulins, and partially compromised. Initial reports of severe damage were disputed by North Korean media, which noted that while seawater did enter the stern portion of the vessel, there were no significant breaches in the hull.
In remarks made after the incident, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized the accident as resulting from "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism." He suggested that those found guilty of "irresponsible errors" would face consequences at a plenary meeting in the coming month. However, the specifics of any potential punishment remain uncertain, particularly given the country's stark history of human rights violations.
It is relatively rare for North Korea to publicly acknowledge domestic accidents, with this being one of only a few instances in the past. This incident follows the earlier unveiling of a similar 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim Jong Un highlighted as a significant advance in the modernization of North Korea's naval capabilities, set for deployment early next year.
The individuals detained include the chief engineer of the Chongjin shipyard, where the warship was constructed, alongside the head of construction and an administrative manager. KCNA indicated that these officials were deemed "responsible for the accident." Additionally, Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager, has been summoned by law enforcement for questioning.
Satellite imagery reveals the warship currently lying on its side, covered by large blue tarpaulins, and partially compromised. Initial reports of severe damage were disputed by North Korean media, which noted that while seawater did enter the stern portion of the vessel, there were no significant breaches in the hull.
In remarks made after the incident, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized the accident as resulting from "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism." He suggested that those found guilty of "irresponsible errors" would face consequences at a plenary meeting in the coming month. However, the specifics of any potential punishment remain uncertain, particularly given the country's stark history of human rights violations.
It is relatively rare for North Korea to publicly acknowledge domestic accidents, with this being one of only a few instances in the past. This incident follows the earlier unveiling of a similar 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim Jong Un highlighted as a significant advance in the modernization of North Korea's naval capabilities, set for deployment early next year.
