- Warship launch at Chongjin Shipyard failed due to a cradle malfunction, causing partial submersion.
- Four senior officials, including a Central Military Commission member, were detained.
- Kim Jong Un labeled the failure a disgrace and demanded swift accountability and repairs.
North Korea has reportedly detained four senior officials following the failed launch of a new warship at the Chongjin Shipyard, reports Marine Insight.
Incident overview
The incident took place during a high-profile public ceremony, where the vessel, believed to be a 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer, suffered a catastrophic malfunction during its launch.
The warship was being launched using a side-launch method, but the operation went awry when the transport cradle failed, causing the ship to tip and partially submerge. The hull sustained visible damage, and seawater flooded sections of the vessel.
Detentions and Accountability
In response to the failure, North Korean authorities arrested key personnel, including the chief engineer, the shipyard’s construction head, and a deputy manager. A senior member of the Central Military Commission was also detained, accused of being primarily responsible for the mishap. A formal investigation is underway to assess the causes and assign responsibility.
Leader Kim Jong Un, who was present at the launch, condemned the incident as a “criminal act” and emphasized the damage to national pride. He has ordered immediate repairs ahead of a major political gathering and vowed harsh consequences for those deemed responsible.
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Source: Marine Insight
