Authorities in North Korea have arrested three officials from a shipyard following a mishap during the launch of a naval destroyer. State leader Kim Jong Un attributed the incident to criminal negligence.
The destroyer, designed to weigh 5,000 tons, encountered issues on Wednesday when its transport cradle failed during a launch ceremony in Chongjin, where Kim was present.
Recent satellite images revealed the damaged ship lying partly submerged and covered with a blue tarp.
This vessel marks North Korea’s second known destroyer.
The failed launch represents a setback for Kim, who aims to enhance his country’s naval capabilities in response to what he perceives as a military threat from the U.S.
Last month, North Korea celebrated the launch of its first destroyer of this class amid much fanfare.
These ships are touted as North Korea’s largest and most advanced war vessels, reportedly equipped to carry a range of weaponry, including nuclear missiles.
The arrested individuals include the Chief Engineer, the Head of the Hal Construction Workshop, and the Deputy Manager of Management at the Jeongjin Shipyard.
Additionally, the shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho, was called in for questioning, according to KCNA.
Kim has sharply criticized military leaders, scientists, and shipyard workers, labeling their actions as “criminal acts due to extreme carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific methods.”
During a meeting on Thursday, North Korea’s influential Central Military Commission echoed Kim’s sentiments, asserting that leaders of the group would be held responsible for the incident.
In contrast, North Korea has downplayed the damage, claiming that only minor scratches were found on the hull and some seawater had seeped into the stern.
On Friday, they estimated that repairs would take around ten days, though many external observers suggest the nation may be understating the extent of the damage.
