North Korea Makes Arrests Over Failed Ship Launch

Maxar

North Korea has apprehended three officials from a shipyard following an incident during the launch of a new warship on Wednesday, according to state media reports. 

The launch ceremony resulted in parts of the 5,000-ton destroyer's bottom being crushed, causing the ship to become unbalanced. 

An inquiry into the incident, which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un labeled a "criminal act," is currently underway. 

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea's state news outlet, named the detained individuals as the chief engineer of the Chongjin shipyard, where the destroyer was constructed, along with the head of construction and an administrative supervisor. 

The report indicated that the three individuals were "accountable for the mishap." 

On Friday, KCNA stated that the shipyard's manager, Hong Kil Ho, had been called in by law enforcement officials. 

Satellite imagery revealed the vessel lying on its side, covered with large blue tarps, with part of it appearing to be on solid ground. 

At the time, North Korea's state media did not report any injuries or fatalities, minimizing the extent of the damage. 

KCNA clarified that there were no punctures in the ship's bottom, which contradicted earlier reports. 

"The hull's starboard side was scratched, and a certain volume of seawater entered the stern area," the agency noted. 

Kim stated on Thursday that the incident was a result of "extreme negligence, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism." 

He mentioned that those who committed "careless mistakes" would face consequences at a plenary session next month. 

It remains uncertain what type of punishment they could receive, but the repressive state is known for its dismal human rights record. 

It is rare for North Korea to make local accidents public, although it has occasionally done so in the past. 

This specific incident follows the recent unveiling of a similar 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon. 

Kim had described that warship as a significant advancement in modernizing North Korea's navy and claimed it would be deployed in early next year.