North Korea makes arrests over botched ship launch

North Korea has arrested three officials from a shipyard due to an incident that occurred during the launch of a new warship on Wednesday, according to state media. Sections of the 5,000-ton destroyer’s hull were damaged during the launch event, causing the ship to become unstable.

An inquiry into the event, which North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un termed a “criminal act,” is still underway.

KCNA, the official news agency of North Korea, reported that those arrested included the chief engineer of the Chongjin shipyard in the north where the destroyer was constructed, along with the construction supervisor and an administrative manager. On Friday, KCNA revealed that law enforcement had called in the shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho.

Satellite imagery revealed the ship resting on its side, cloaked by sizable blue tarps, with part of the vessel seeming to be beached. North Korea’s official media did not report any injuries or casualties initially, minimizing the extent of the damage.

KCNA stated that the ship’s bottom had no holes, which opposes earlier reports. On Thursday, Kim noted that the incident was the result of “complete negligence, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.”

He mentioned that individuals who committed “irresponsible errors” would be addressed at a plenary meeting next month. The exact consequences they may encounter are uncertain, yet the oppressive government has a troubling history regarding human rights.

It is rare for North Korea to openly report local incidents, although it has done so a few times previously. This specific incident occurs weeks after North Korea showcased a comparable 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon. Kim referred to that warship as a “breakthrough” in updating North Korea’s navy and stated it would be launched early next year.