North Korea detains shipyard officials after warship launch accident damages 5,000-tonne destroyer

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - SEOUL — North Korea has detained three senior officials following an accident during the launch of a new 5,000-tonne warship, which state media described as the result of “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility.”

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the destroyer’s hull was damaged during Wednesday’s launch ceremony at the northern Chongjin shipyard.

The vessel tipped off balance as parts of its bottom were crushed while entering the water.

Those detained include the shipyard’s chief engineer, the head of construction, and an administrative manager.

KCNA reported that they are “responsible for the accident” and are now under investigation.

Additionally, shipyard manager Hong Kil Ho was summoned by law enforcement officials.

Satellite images showed the vessel lying on its side, partially on land, and covered with large blue tarpaulins. While KCNA claimed the damage was limited — reporting only scratches to the hull and seawater entering the stern — earlier speculation had pointed to more extensive structural failure.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the incident as a “criminal act” and said those involved would be held accountable at a plenary meeting scheduled for next month.

“Unscientific empiricism and irresponsibility” were to blame, he said, warning of strict consequences.

Public acknowledgment of such accidents is rare in North Korea, which tightly controls state messaging.

The regime has occasionally disclosed mishaps in the past, but typically downplays their severity.

The launch failure comes just weeks after Kim oversaw the unveiling of another 5,000-tonne destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which he described as a “breakthrough” in modernizing the country’s naval forces. That vessel was expected to enter service early next year. — BBC