Three officials, including a chief engineer, are being questioned as details emerge about the sinking of a new 5,000-ton destroyer during its launch ceremony.
Three Officials Detained in North Korea Warship Launch Incident
Three Officials Detained in North Korea Warship Launch Incident
North Korea has detained shipyard workers following a disastrous warship launch, as the country investigates what it calls a "criminal act."
North Korea has detained three officials from a shipyard involved in the launch of a new warship after a mishap led to significant damage. According to the state media outlet KCNA, the detentions come as a response to what North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described as an "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism" during the launch ceremony held on Wednesday. This incident caused parts of the destroyer’s bottom to be crushed, leading to instability as the vessel tipped off balance.
The detained individuals include the chief engineer of the Chongjin shipyard, the head of construction, and an administrative manager, all believed to be accountable for the accident. Following the event, the shipyard's manager, Hong Kil Ho, was also summoned for questioning by authorities, illustrating the seriousness with which the North Korean government is addressing the situation.
Images captured from satellites have depicted the vessel lying on its side and covered with blue tarpaulins, with indications that part of the ship ended up on land. Fortunately, KCNA reported there were no injuries, challenging previous claims of more severe damage. According to the agency, minor damage included scratched hulls and some seawater entering the stern.
Kim Jong Un criticized the mishap, emphasizing that those responsible will face ramifications during a plenary meeting scheduled for the next month. However, the potential consequences for the detained individuals remain uncertain, especially given North Korea's notorious record on human rights.
The fact that such an incident has been publicly disclosed is remarkable, as North Korea typically keeps accidents under wraps. This latest launch incident follows the recent unveiling of a similar 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim previously heralded as a crucial advancement in modernizing the North Korean navy, expected to enter service early next year.
The detained individuals include the chief engineer of the Chongjin shipyard, the head of construction, and an administrative manager, all believed to be accountable for the accident. Following the event, the shipyard's manager, Hong Kil Ho, was also summoned for questioning by authorities, illustrating the seriousness with which the North Korean government is addressing the situation.
Images captured from satellites have depicted the vessel lying on its side and covered with blue tarpaulins, with indications that part of the ship ended up on land. Fortunately, KCNA reported there were no injuries, challenging previous claims of more severe damage. According to the agency, minor damage included scratched hulls and some seawater entering the stern.
Kim Jong Un criticized the mishap, emphasizing that those responsible will face ramifications during a plenary meeting scheduled for the next month. However, the potential consequences for the detained individuals remain uncertain, especially given North Korea's notorious record on human rights.
The fact that such an incident has been publicly disclosed is remarkable, as North Korea typically keeps accidents under wraps. This latest launch incident follows the recent unveiling of a similar 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim previously heralded as a crucial advancement in modernizing the North Korean navy, expected to enter service early next year.
