North Korea Launches Investigation into Destroyer Accident: "Those Responsible Will Never Escape Their Crimes"

"The Extent of Damage to the Vessel Is Not Severe"

North Korea has launched a full-scale investigation into the capsizing accident of a 5,000-ton-class destroyer that occurred at the Chongjin Shipyard in North Hamgyong Province on May 21.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 23, the destroyer launch accident investigation group has begun a thorough investigation into the major incident at the Chongjin Shipyard. KCNA reported that prosecutors and experts are participating in the accident investigation group.

Yonhap News Agency

KCNA stated, "As a result of detailed underwater and internal inspections of the vessel, contrary to the initial announcement, there was no breach in the bottom of the ship. However, the starboard side of the hull was scraped, and a certain amount of seawater flooded into the structural passage at the stern." The agency added, "Experts estimate that it will take two to three days to pump out the seawater from the flooded compartment and restore the bow's balance, and approximately ten days to repair the starboard side."

The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party received this investigation report and noted, "The extent of damage to the vessel is not severe." The commission emphasized, "The results regarding the flooding process immediately after the accident are only information necessary for practical restoration measures and are unrelated to identifying the cause of the accident or those responsible."

Furthermore, the Central Military Commission ordered, "Investigate and identify the causes of this utterly unacceptable and inexcusable accident, as well as those responsible." The commission warned, "No matter how sound the condition of the vessel may be, the fact remains that this accident is an intolerable criminal act, and those responsible will never be able to cover up their wrongdoing," signaling strong punishment.

The Central Military Commission also stressed, "The purpose of treating this accident as a major incident is not due to the extent of vessel damage or economic loss, but rather to deliver a strong warning and shock to the widespread carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricist attitudes prevalent across all sectors."

Meanwhile, North Korea announced on May 22 that during the side launching of the 5,000-ton-class destroyer at the Chongjin Shipyard on May 21, the vessel lost balance and only the stern slid into the sea and settled down. Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, who attended the launching ceremony, condemned the incident as "an utterly intolerable criminal act" and ordered an investigation into the accident.