Three officials from a shipyard in North Korea were arrested following a serious incident during the launch ceremony of a new warship, state media reported, according to Gazeta Sinjali.
The state agency KCNA stated that during the launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer on Wednesday, the lower parts of the ship were severely damaged, causing it to lose balance. The event took place at the Chongjin shipyard in the north of the country.
The arrested officials are identified as the chief engineer, the head of construction, and an administrative manager, all held responsible for the accident. Meanwhile, the shipyard director Hong Kil Ho has been summoned for questioning, BBC reports.
Satellite images show the warship tilted to one side and partially grounded, covered with blue tires for protection. However, no major holes or casualties were reported.
Leader Kim Jong Un called the accident a “criminal act” caused by “absolute negligence and unscientific empiricism,” warning of strict punishment for those responsible during a plenary meeting scheduled for next month.
