North Korean state media reported on Sunday (May 25) that a serious accident occurred during the launching ceremony of a new type of destroyer in the country. Authorities have detained three senior officials from the shipyard involved and have initiated a further investigation.
The new destroyer, with a displacement of 5,000 tons, is the second ship of its class in North Korea. The accident took place on May 21 at Sinpo Port in South Hamgyong Province, where North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally attended the launching ceremony. According to reports, during the ceremony, the transport support at the stern fell off prematurely, causing the ship to lose balance and capsize, with part of the hull sinking into the water.
Satellite images released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the United States showed the navy vessel covered in a blue canvas, lying on its side in the water, with the stern having slid into the harbor while the bow remained on the shipyard slipway.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that three shipyard executives have been detained, including Kang Jong Chol, chief engineer at Sinpo Shipyard, Han Kyong Hak, head of the shipbuilding department, and Kim Yong Hak, executive vice manager. Additionally, the shipyard manager Hong Kil Ho has been summoned to assist in the investigation.
Kim Jong-un described the incident as a “serious accident and criminal act” and ordered the completion of the necessary repairs before the Workers’ Party’s plenary meeting scheduled for June.
While North Korean authorities claim that the damage is “not severe,” external observers widely question this assertion, believing that the actual extent of the damage may be far greater than acknowledged.
The accident is seen as a major setback to Kim Jong-un’s efforts to modernize the navy, especially since he personally attended the launching ceremony, making the mistake particularly sensitive and embarrassing. Just last month, North Korea showcased its first ship of the same class, claiming it had the capability to carry nuclear weapons, symbolizing a new phase for the country’s navy.
(*This article was referenced from relevant reports by the Associated Press and Reuters.)