Three officials of a North Korean shipyard have been arrested by authorities after a failed test launch of a naval destroyer, which their leader Kim Jong Un criticized as criminal negligence, state media reported Sunday.
The 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged Wednesday at the northeastern port of Chongjin during a launch ceremony where Kim attended. The vessel’s transport cradle suddenly broke away from the stern of the ship, tilting the warship onto its side. Satellite photos revealed the damaged vessel partially submerged and wrapped in blue tarps.
This destroyer is North Korea’s second known vessel of this type. The failed test was a major embarrassment for Kim, who insists on strengthening his naval forces in the face of what he terms increased US-led military threats. The nation’s initial destroyer, which was introduced last month in a big fanfare, is designed to be equipped with many weapons, including nuclear missiles, and is the same model as the wrecked ship.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) indicated that the top engineer, the workshop chief of hull construction, and deputy manager of administrative affairs at Chongjin Shipyard have been arrested for their involvement in the accident. Hong Kil Ho, the manager of the shipyard, was also called for questioning earlier.
Kim sharply rebuked military officers, scientists, and shipbuilders, labeling the accident a “criminal act resulting from utter carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.” The Central Military Commission echoed him by stating that the responsible individuals “can never shirk their responsibility for the crime.”
Although North Korea insists the damage was minimal restricted to scratches on the starboard hull and minor seawater intrusion the duration of repairs is likely to take some 10 days. But outside observers think the extent of the damage can be greater.
