North Korea detains officials after destroyer launch failure
The Deputy Director of the Armament Industry Department of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Ri Hyong-son, recognized as "largely responsible for the serious accident," has been arrested, Pyongyang media reported. He is the fourth person arrested in connection with the failed launching of the destroyer.
The official KCNA news agency reported that Ri was detained on Sunday.
Previously, the shipyard's chief engineer, the head of the hull construction department, and the deputy director for administrative matters were also detained for "criminal negligence."
All are reportedly responsible for the failed launch on May 21 of the new 5,000-tonne destroyer, which - as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced - is to be equipped with the most advanced and powerful weaponry, including nuclear arms.
Kim, who was present at the failed launch, became furious and blamed representatives of the military, scientists, and shipyard workers for the "criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism."
The events took place at the port of Chongjin. The accident was caused by a loss of balance during the ship's launch. The lower part of the destroyer's hull was damaged. As reported, some bottom sections of the ship were crushed, disrupting the ship's balance. Kim Jong Un deemed the accident a blow to the "dignity and self respect of the country."
Separately, KCNA reported on Monday that "the work for completely restoring the balance of the warship is being actively conducted under the technical guidance of an expert group according to its schedule." Contrary to initial reports of holes in the hull, state media said that inspections did not find such damage.
Accident a result of haste?
In April, North Korea ceremoniously launched its first similar destroyer. As highlighted by the Associated Press, Kim places great importance on expanding his naval fleet, which he says is to counter "the military threat from the US." The failed ship launch was a significant image setback for him.
Experts believe that the accident may be a result of haste. At the end of April, the destroyer "Choe Hyon" was launched at the port of Nampho, which according to state media reports, was built in approximately 400 days.
