Newly released satellite photographs have highlighted a significant shipyard incident in North Korea, where a new warship was severely damaged in front of the nation's leader, Kim Jong Un. The visuals depict the warship tilted sideways and covered with large tarpaulins, with part of it resting on land. Following the accident, which has been identified as a "criminal act" by Kim, an official investigation has been initiated, as reported by state media on Friday. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries linked to the incident, which took place in Chongjin, a prominent eastern port city. The official news agency KCNA attempted to minimize the extent of the damage, stating it was "not serious" and clarifying that the vessel did not sustain holes in its bottom. Instead, KCNA detailed that scratches were present on the starboard hull, allowing some seawater to enter through a rescue channel. Subsequently, Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager, has been called in for questioning by the authorities. Restoration of the destroyer's side is estimated to require approximately ten days, according to KCNA. In his remarks, Kim criticized the mishap as resulting from "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," warning that those responsible would face repercussions at an upcoming plenary meeting. Although the exact nature of these consequences remains uncertain, North Korea's poor human rights history raises concerns. Such public admission of local accidents is rare for the regime, although this is not the first time it has occurred. The incident comes shortly after the unveiling of North Korea's new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim previously noted would signify a significant advancement in the modernization of the nation's naval capabilities, with deployment anticipated in the coming year.
Damaged North Korean Warship Revealed in Satellite Images
Damaged North Korean Warship Revealed in Satellite Images
Recent satellite imagery exposes accident's extent as Kim Jong Un labels it a "criminal act."
Damaged North Korean Warship Revealed in Satellite Images
Recent satellite imagery exposes accident's extent as Kim Jong Un labels it a "criminal act."
Newly released satellite photographs have highlighted a significant shipyard incident in North Korea, where a new warship was severely damaged in front of the nation's leader, Kim Jong Un. The visuals depict the warship tilted sideways and covered with large tarpaulins, with part of it resting on land. Following the accident, which has been identified as a "criminal act" by Kim, an official investigation has been initiated, as reported by state media on Friday. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries linked to the incident, which took place in Chongjin, a prominent eastern port city. The official news agency KCNA attempted to minimize the extent of the damage, stating it was "not serious" and clarifying that the vessel did not sustain holes in its bottom. Instead, KCNA detailed that scratches were present on the starboard hull, allowing some seawater to enter through a rescue channel. Subsequently, Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager, has been called in for questioning by the authorities. Restoration of the destroyer's side is estimated to require approximately ten days, according to KCNA. In his remarks, Kim criticized the mishap as resulting from "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," warning that those responsible would face repercussions at an upcoming plenary meeting. Although the exact nature of these consequences remains uncertain, North Korea's poor human rights history raises concerns. Such public admission of local accidents is rare for the regime, although this is not the first time it has occurred. The incident comes shortly after the unveiling of North Korea's new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim previously noted would signify a significant advancement in the modernization of the nation's naval capabilities, with deployment anticipated in the coming year.
Recent satellite imagery exposes accident's extent as Kim Jong Un labels it a "criminal act."
Newly released satellite photographs have highlighted a significant shipyard incident in North Korea, where a new warship was severely damaged in front of the nation's leader, Kim Jong Un. The visuals depict the warship tilted sideways and covered with large tarpaulins, with part of it resting on land. Following the accident, which has been identified as a "criminal act" by Kim, an official investigation has been initiated, as reported by state media on Friday. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries linked to the incident, which took place in Chongjin, a prominent eastern port city. The official news agency KCNA attempted to minimize the extent of the damage, stating it was "not serious" and clarifying that the vessel did not sustain holes in its bottom. Instead, KCNA detailed that scratches were present on the starboard hull, allowing some seawater to enter through a rescue channel. Subsequently, Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager, has been called in for questioning by the authorities. Restoration of the destroyer's side is estimated to require approximately ten days, according to KCNA. In his remarks, Kim criticized the mishap as resulting from "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," warning that those responsible would face repercussions at an upcoming plenary meeting. Although the exact nature of these consequences remains uncertain, North Korea's poor human rights history raises concerns. Such public admission of local accidents is rare for the regime, although this is not the first time it has occurred. The incident comes shortly after the unveiling of North Korea's new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which Kim previously noted would signify a significant advancement in the modernization of the nation's naval capabilities, with deployment anticipated in the coming year.
