North Korea has detained three officials from a shipyard over an accident that occurred during the launch of a new warship on Wednesday, as reported by state media.
The 5,000-ton destroyer sustained damage to its bottom, causing it to tilt and lose balance during the launch ceremony.
An investigation, led by North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, who described the incident as a “criminal act,” is currently underway.
KCNA, North Korea’s official news agency, identified those detained as the chief engineer of the northern Chongjin shipyard where the destroyer was built, as well as the construction head and an administrative manager.
These individuals have been held responsible for the accident.
On Friday, KCNA stated that the shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho, was summoned by law enforcement.
Satellite images showed the vessel lying on its side, covered by large blue tarpaulins, with a portion of the vessel appearing to be on land.
State media initially downplayed the damage and did not mention any casualties or injuries. KCNA later reported that there were no holes on the ship’s bottom, contrary to initial reports.
According to KCNA, the hull starboard was scratched, allowing some seawater to flow into the stern section.
Kim Jong Un stated on Thursday that the accident was caused by “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.”
He added that those who made “irresponsible errors” would be dealt with at a plenary meeting next month.
The authoritarian state has a poor record on human rights, so it is unclear what punishment those responsible might face.
It is unusual for North Korea to publicly disclose local accidents, although there have been a handful of instances in the past.
This particular accident occurred weeks after North Korea unveiled a similar 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon.
Kim Jong Un had called that warship a “breakthrough” in modernizing North Korea’s navy and announced its deployment early next year.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx279v4z9lzo
