North Korea has taken swift action against three shipyard officials following a botched launch of a new warship, state media reports. The 5,000-tonne destroyer’s bottom was severely damaged during the ceremony, prompting leader Kim Jong Un to describe the incident as a “criminal act”.
The detained officials include the chief engineer of the northern Chongjin shipyard, the construction head, and an administrative manager. According to KCNA, North Korea’s official news agency, they are “responsible for the accident”. Kim Jong Un has vowed to take action against those who made “irresponsible errors”, with potential punishments unclear.
Satellite images revealed the extent of the damage, with the vessel lying on its side covered by large blue tarpaulins. While initial reports suggested holes on the ship’s bottom, KCNA later clarified that the hull starboard was scratched and some seawater flowed into the stern section.
The incident has drawn attention to North Korea’s shipbuilding capabilities and military modernization efforts. Kim Jong Un had previously praised a similar 5,000-tonne destroyer, the Choe Hyon, as a “breakthrough” in naval modernization. The failed launch may impact the country’s plans to deploy the new warship early next year.
The detention of officials and investigation into the incident highlight North Korea’s emphasis on accountability and discipline. As Kim Jong Un stated, the accident “severely damaged the dignity and pride of our nation in an instant”.
North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to punish those responsible for the botched launch of a new warship. The incident occurred when a malfunction caused the 5,000-ton destroyer to slip into the water while the bow remained stranded, resulting in structural damage to the vessel. Kim Jong-un described the failure as a “criminal act” that brought shame to the nation’s prestige and ordered a high-level investigation into the matter.
The damaged warship is unlikely to see service in the Korean People’s Navy, according to analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The lack of dry dock facilities in North Korea will likely hinder repair efforts, with estimates suggesting it could take four to five months to restore the vessel. South Korean Admiral Kim Duk-ki noted that the absence of infrastructure could stretch restoration efforts, and naval experts warned that the damage could be severe, potentially tearing the hull apart.