North Korea’s state-run media, KCNA, described it as a historic attack. They announced the launch of a new destroyer at Chongjin shipyard. Kim Jong-un personally denounced the blunder a “criminal act.” Ultimately, due to these actions the 5,000-ton warship had taken on a lot of water and was found capsized and resting on its side post-launch. The incident allegedly took place in full view of the audience, heightening the public repercussions for the North Korean dictator.
The ship had become so top heavy that on its launching the ship tipped dangerously, resulting in a catastrophic disaster. KCNA initially depicted parts of its underside as “smashed,” and The Guardian was first to report on this incident. North Korea has reportedly ordered a nationwide investigation into the incident. Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager, could be imprisoned for negligence leading to the accident.
KCNA further stressed that regarding this accident as a serious matter should be the first step in beating back the incautiousness and irresponsibility. This incident, analysts quickly noted, shines a light on the difficulties North Korea encounters in military shipbuilding. It just as much raises Kim’s domestic pressures at a moment of greater visibility.
Previously, satellite imagery captured the scale of damage the advancing warship took on during the launch. Two of the ship Trafalgar’s experts estimate that it will be ten days just to restore the ship’s starboard side. During that time, the team hopes to stabilize the vessel by pumping seawater out of the flooded chamber, a process that will take two to three days.
Cargo vessels and fishing boats are the mainstay of the Chongjin shipyard’s production. Experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) assert that it “undoubtedly lacks significant expertise” in launching large naval vessels like the new destroyer. This indicates possible systemic flaws in North Korea’s military shipbuilding capacity that likely played a role in the incident.
His decision to personally oversee the launch and the subsequent failure highlight the seriousness with which Kim Jong-un is approaching improving North Korea’s military capabilities. This unfortunate incident gives rise to critical questions. It raises serious concerns about the adequacy of shipyard practices, whether any actual improvements have been made, and accountability for those in command of operations.
“crushed” – The Guardian