An investigation is underway into a recent shipyard mishap in North Korea, where a new warship was damaged. Kim Jong Un criticized the incident as a "criminal act," while state media reported no casualties. The extent of the damage is reportedly not serious, but the oversight leading to the accident has raised concerns within the regime.
Satellite Images Reveal Damage to North Korean Warship Amid Investigation
Satellite Images Reveal Damage to North Korean Warship Amid Investigation
New satellite photographs have captured the extent of damage to a North Korean warship following a shipyard accident that occurred under the scrutiny of leader Kim Jong Un.
Recent satellite imagery has unveiled significant damage to a North Korean warship following a troubling shipyard accident, which occurred in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un. The photos depict the ship tilted on its side, shrouded by large blue tarpaulins, with parts of the vessel seemingly on dry land.
The incident took place in Chongjin, a prominent port city in North Korea, leading Kim to label the situation a "criminal act" and initiate an official investigation. State media reports, however, have indicated that there were no reported casualties or injuries stemming from the accident, which occurred last Thursday.
In a report released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the damage was described as "not serious." The agency sought to downplay concerns, claiming there were no breaches in the ship's hull despite the water entering through the rescue channel due to scratches on the starboard side. Additionally, it was noted that the shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho, has been summoned for questioning by authorities in light of the incident.
According to KCNA, restoration of the warship's side is expected to take approximately ten days. Kim Jong Un attributed the incident to a lack of diligence and responsibility, as well as "unscientific empiricism," emphasizing that those accountable for the mishap would face repercussions during an upcoming plenary meeting next month. Potential punishments remain uncertain, given North Korea’s notoriously harsh treatment of errors.
Public disclosures of accidents within North Korea are uncommon; however, this incident has been handled with some transparency—a departure from the typical opaqueness of the regime. This event unfolds shortly after North Korea showcased a similar 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim had praised as a substantial advancement in the modernization of the navy, with plans for deployment in the near future.
