North Korea has launched a full-scale investigation into a mishap that occurred during the launch of a new warship earlier this week. State media outlet KCNA reported on Friday that the incident, which took place on Wednesday, involved a loss of balance during the vessel’s launch, resulting in damage to the bottom of the warship. Pyongyang’s official account states that sections of the ship’s bottom were crushed.
The investigation, according to KCNA, is examining the extent of the damage and determining the cause of the accident. While initial reports suggest the damage is not “serious,” a thorough internal inspection revealed scratches on the starboard hull and seawater ingress through the rescue channel. The investigation group has been tasked with identifying those responsible for the incident. Notably, there has been no mention of casualties in official reports.
The incident, witnessed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who was present at the launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer at the Chongjin shipyard, was described by state media as a “criminal act” that will not be tolerated. Military analysts suggest the public nature of the mishap, likely witnessed by a large crowd, significantly increases the embarrassment for Kim.
Satellite imagery obtained by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) shows the warship lying on its side in the water, with the stern swung out into the harbor. CSIS analysts highlight the Chongjin shipyard’s primary focus on cargo and fishing vessels, suggesting a lack of sufficient expertise in launching large warships, potentially contributing to the accident. The KCNA report estimates that restoring the warship’s balance will take two to three days, with full repairs expected to take around ten days. The report further indicates that shipyard manager Hong Kil Ho has been summoned for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into those responsible.
The North Korean government’s serious response to this incident, framing it as a matter of combating “incautiousness” and “irresponsibility,” underscores the regime’s focus on maintaining a strong military image despite this highly publicized setback.
