North Korea arrests shipyard chiefs after destroyer mishap
Three members of the shipyard management in Chongjin were arrested following the failed launch of a destroyer in the presence of Kim Jong Un. These include the chief engineer and the head of the hull construction department. It is not yet known what they face, but Kim regards the failed launch as a significant image defeat.
In Chongjin, in the northeast of North Korea, three members of the shipyard management were arrested. The reason was the failed attempt to launch a destroyer, which took place in the presence of the country's leader, Kim Jong Un.
According to the KCNA agency, the detained individuals include the chief engineer of the shipyard, the head of the hull construction department, and the deputy director for administrative affairs. They are accused of "criminal negligence." It is not yet known what punishment they face. After witnessing the failed launch firsthand, Kim was furious and spoke of irresponsibility and recklessness.
Kim Jong Un, present at the scene, expressed his anger, blaming the incident on representatives of the military, scientists, and shipyard workers. The Associated Press emphasises that for Kim Jong Un, the expansion of the naval fleet is crucial in the context of the "military threat from the USA."
For North Korea's leader, the failed launch of the ship was a significant image setback. The destroyer was intended to be equipped with the latest weaponry, including nuclear arms.
North Korea denied that the warship sustained significant damage. It claims that the hull on the starboard side was scratched, and seawater entered the stern. Authorities state that the hull damage is minor and that the repairs will only take ten days. However, foreign experts, analysing satellite images, suggest the situation is much more serious.
Last month, North Korea successfully launched another similar destroyer.
