North Korea has detained three shipyard officials following a recent accident during the launch ceremony for a new warship. State media reported the incident, which saw parts of the 5,000-ton destroyer damaged, causing the vessel to tip off balance shortly after entering the water on Wednesday.
Leader Kim Jong Un described the incident as a “criminal act,” and an investigation is currently underway.
Officials Detained and Summoned
State news agency KCNA identified those initially detained as the chief engineer, the construction head, and an administrative manager from the northern Chongjin shipyard, where the destroyer was built. These individuals were deemed “responsible for the accident.” Separately, Hong Kil Ho, the manager of the Chongjin shipyard, was also reportedly summoned by law enforcement officials for questioning in connection with the failure.
North Korea’s main military committee has declared that those responsible face an “unpardonable criminal act” and “can never evade their responsibility,” citing “criminal negligence” as the cause.
Details of the Botched Launch and Damage
The failure occurred during the launch ceremony itself when a transport cradle attached to the ship’s stern prematurely detached.
Satellite images obtained shortly after the incident showed the vessel lying significantly listed or on its side, partially submerged, and covered by large blue tarpaulins at the Chongjin port.
North Korea’s state media initially downplayed the damage, claiming it was “not serious” and could be repaired within approximately 10 days. KCNA reported that there were no holes on the ship’s bottom, correcting earlier assessments. Instead, they stated the “hull starboard was scratched and a certain amount of seawater flowed into the stern section.”
Outside Skepticism and Expert Analysis
Outside observers and experts remain highly skeptical of Pyongyang’s claim of limited damage and a swift repair timeline. While North Korea could potentially carry out cosmetic repairs and repaint the vessel, analysts suggest the actual damage is likely far more extensive, potentially including the flooding of the engine room located in the stern and actual holes in the starboard side. Genuine repairs, particularly any requiring engine replacement, could realistically take over a year and might even necessitate cutting the hull.
Experts speculate on the potential causes of the failure, pointing to potential inexperience among North Korean workers handling a vessel of this size, which is significantly larger and heavier than their current main navy ships. It’s believed North Korea attempted a sideways launch for the destroyer, a method previously used for large cargo or passenger ships but rarely, if ever, for warships. Analysts suggest that North Korean scientists and officials might have overlooked the unique challenges of maintaining balance during a sideways launch for a vessel with the specific weight distribution of a destroyer laden with heavy weapons systems.
Context and Significance
This botched launch is seen as a notable embarrassment for Kim Jong Un, who has prioritized modernizing North Korea’s naval forces. The damaged vessel is assessed to be of the same class as North Korea’s first 5,000-ton destroyer, which was successfully unveiled with significant fanfare just last month and hailed by Kim as a “breakthrough.”
North Korea’s unusual public disclosure of the failure, both internally and externally, is interpreted by observers as a potential strategy by Kim. It could signal his unwavering commitment to advancing naval capabilities despite setbacks, while simultaneously serving to reinforce discipline within relevant sectors, including military, scientific, and shipyard personnel.
Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered that the warship be repaired in time for a high-level ruling Workers’ Party meeting scheduled for late June. The ultimate punishment for those deemed responsible remains unclear, though the authoritarian state is known for its severe measures and woeful human rights record. Experts note that how the ruling party handles this incident, particularly regarding accountability for scientists and technical staff, could reflect a focus on political control over technical expertise within the regime.
References
- https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/north-korea-vows-arrest-responsible-failed-ship-launch-122100201
- https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-destroyer-launch-kim-b9ffd2578a8751096cc861069af7decb
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/north-korea-vows-arrest-those-015745106.html
- https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/all-faqs
