A major military scandal has rocked North Korea after a newly-built 5,000-ton warship sank before it even left the dock, in full view of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un during its official unveiling ceremony.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was reported by the state news agency KCNA, which blamed the disaster on a serious operational error and negligent command. According to the report, a structural defect in the ship’s hull caused the vessel to lose balance and sink, marking a humiliating failure for the North Korean navy.
“Due to immature command and operational negligence, parallel movement could not be ensured, which led to the detachment of a section and the vessel’s eventual submersion,” KCNA stated.
It further emphasized that:
“Balance was lost due to a rupture in the hull across several sections.”
The incident has significantly tarnished the image of North Korea’s military fleet, especially as it unfolded during a high-profile event meant to showcase national strength and technological advancement.
Kim Jong-un reportedly reacted with fury, calling the disaster a
“criminal act born of sheer carelessness, which cannot be tolerated.”
He has ordered the warship to be salvaged and restored to full functionality before the next party meeting scheduled for June.
The mishap underscores the technical and organizational challenges North Korea faces in its quest to modernize its navy amid severe international sanctions and limited access to advanced maritime technology.
