North Korea has launched a full-scale investigation into an accident that occurred during the recent launch of a warship, as reported by state media KCNA. The incident, which happened on Wednesday, was attributed to a loss of balance that resulted in parts of the vessel’s bottom being crushed. Investigations revealed no significant structural damage, although the starboard hull sustained scratches and seawater flooded the stern through a rescue channel. The situation was deemed “not serious,” but authorities have been ordered to determine the cause of the mishap and hold those responsible accountable. There were no mentions of injuries or fatalities as a result of the accident.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who observed the launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer at Chongjin, criticized the event as a “criminal act” that was unacceptable. Military analysts noted that the embarrassing incident occurred in front of a large audience, exacerbating Kim’s public humiliation. South Korea’s military confirmed that the ship was capsized in the water, with satellite imagery indicating that the stern was positioned into the harbor due to a failure of the wheeled units beneath the vessel.
Experts from the U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that the Chongjin shipyard primarily builds cargo and fishing vessels, lacking expertise in launching large warships. It may take 2 to 3 days to regain the ship’s balance and approximately 10 days for full restoration. The local authorities are treating the incident seriously, emphasizing a crackdown on negligence, with the shipyard’s manager already summoned for investigation.
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