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Key Points

North Korea experienced a significant naval mishap when a 5,000-tonne destroyer partially capsized during its launch ceremony in Chongjin. Leader Kim Jong-un personally intervened, ordering a full investigation and complete restoration of the vessel. The North Korean team has since righted the ship and plans detailed repairs at a dry dock in Rajin. Several officials have been detained as part of the probe into this embarrassing military incident.

Key Points: Kim Jong-un Orders North Korea Warship Restoration After Launch Mishap

  • Kim Jong-un witnessed and condemned warship launch failure
  • Detailed restoration planned at Rajin dry dock
  • Officials detained for launching accident
  • Satellite imagery confirms ongoing salvage operations
2 min read

North Korea says damaged warship has been righted, to undergo repairs

North Korean leader demands full repair of 5,000-tonne destroyer after dramatic launch ceremony accident in Chongjin port

"The team will start the next-stage restoration - Korean Central News Agency"

Seoul, June 6

North Korea said on Friday that it has successfully righted a warship that partially capsized during a launch ceremony last month, adding the ship is currently moored at the pier for more repairs.

The 5,000-tonne destroyer tipped over and became partially submerged during the launch ceremony held in late May in the northeastern port city of Chongjin. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered the full restoration of the warship before a key party meeting set for late June.

After a North Korean team restored the balance of the warship in early June, it moored the ship at the pier by safely conducting its end launching Thursday afternoon, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"The team will start the next-stage restoration after the reexamination of the overall hull of the destroyer by a group of experts," the KCNA said.

North Korea said it will carry out detailed restoration work on the destroyer at a dry dock in the northeastern port of Rajin, a project that is expected to take seven to 10 days.

The South Korean military said on Thursday that the North Korean warship that tipped over at the Chongjin port was returned to an upright position earlier this week and that the North is expected to begin to drain water from the warship, Yonhap news agency reported.

The North's leader, Kim, witnessed the warship tipping over during the launch ceremony and condemned it as an intolerable "criminal act."

As part of a probe into the accident, North Korea has detained some officials, including the vice director of the party's munitions industry department.

Citing recent satellite imagery, Beyond Parallel, a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the warship was moored in the centre of the harbour with small salvage balloons attached to it. What appeared to be a large lift bag or temporary ramp was also spotted on the slide slipway, it added.

"The slight listing and presence of the balloons suggest that the salvage operation is not complete, with continued pumping, stabilisation and refurbishment operations remaining," the US monitor said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This shows how even authoritarian regimes can't escape engineering failures. While we have our own defense challenges, at least our naval ships don't capsize during launch ceremonies! 😅 Hope our forces are learning from others' mistakes.
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Priya M.
Interesting to see North Korea's military struggles. Meanwhile, our Navy has been making steady progress with indigenous aircraft carriers and destroyers. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 But we must remain vigilant about China-Pakistan-North Korea military cooperation in our neighborhood.
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Amit S.
The way Kim Jong-un is handling this - detaining officials over an accident - shows why we should be grateful for our democratic systems. Imagine if our PM did this when INS Vikrant faced delays! Our defense projects have accountability without fear.
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Sunita R.
While it's easy to laugh at North Korea's misfortune, we should remember they're still a nuclear power with close ties to China. Their military failures don't make them less dangerous to regional stability, especially when they supply weapons to our neighbors.
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Vikram J.
The real story here is how North Korea prioritizes military showpieces over feeding its people. Meanwhile, India balances defense needs with welfare schemes. Our armed forces would never let such shoddy work pass - quality matters more than propaganda.
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Neha P.
This incident makes me appreciate our DRDO and naval engineers more. Despite budget constraints, our warships don't face such embarrassing failures. But we must keep investing in R&D to stay ahead in naval technology, especially with China expanding its navy.

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