North Korean authorities have detained three shipyard officials over the recent botched launch of a U.S. Navy destroyer, with leader Kim Jong Un blaming the incident on criminal negligence, state media reported Sunday.
The 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged on Wednesday when a transport cradle at the ship's stern detached too early during a launching ceremony attended by Mr Kim in the northeastern port of Chongjin.
Satellite images from the scene show the vessel lying on its side, covered in blue sheets, with parts of it underwater.
The vessel is North Korea's second known destroyer. The failed launch is an embarrassment to Mr Kim, who is seeking to build a stronger navy to counter what he sees as military threats from the United States.
Last month, North Korea launched its first 5,000-ton destroyer of the same class in a big way.
The ship is North Korea's largest and most advanced military vessel, and state media have reported that it is designed to carry a variety of weapons, including nuclear missiles.
Law enforcement authorities have detained the chief engineer, the head of the hull construction shop and the deputy manager for administrative affairs at the Chongjin shipyard, who they say are responsible for the botched launch of the vessel on Wednesday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
As previously reported by KCNA, the shipyard's manager, Hong Kil Ho, was also summoned for questioning.
Mr Kim accused the military, scientists and shipyard workers of what he called “a criminal act caused by complete carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.”
On Thursday, North Korea's Central Military Commission echoed Mr Kim's position in its instructions to investigators, saying those responsible “will never be able to escape responsibility for the crime.”
North Korea denies the warship was seriously damaged, saying the starboard hull was scratched and some seawater entered the stern.
North Korea said Friday it would take about 10 days to repair the damage, but many independent observers believe the country is likely understating the extent of the damage.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
