North Korea has launched an investigation into the incident related to the launch ceremony of the newly constructed destroyer at the Chongjin Shipyard. The extent of the damage has been reported as less serious than initially announced.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that an investigative group composed of prosecutors and experts has begun a full investigation into the serious incident that occurred at the Chongjin Shipyard on the 21st.
The agency noted, "As a result of conducting underwater and internal inspections, it has been confirmed that there is no hull puncture unlike the initial announcement, and that the starboard side is scratched and a certain amount of seawater has flooded the structural passage in the stern area."
Experts estimated that it would take about 2 to 3 days to remove the water from the flooded compartments and separate the bow section from the launching platform to restore the ship's balance, and about ten days for on-site recovery.
If this is the case, it seems that recovery could be completed by the end of next month before the 12th Plenary Meeting of the Labor Party, as directed by Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea.
However, the Labor Party's Central Military Commission, having received this report, directed that while "the extent of damage to the ship is not serious," an investigation should be conducted to identify the causes of the incident, which is "inexcusable and utterly unacceptable," and to hold accountable those responsible.
It further stated, "No matter how good the condition of the ship may be, it remains a fact that this incident represents an unacceptable criminal act, and those responsible cannot escape their wrongdoing." It indicated that accountability for those responsible will be pursued.
It emphasized that "the aim of categorizing this incident as a major issue is not due to the damage to the ship or the economic loss, but to strike a strong blow and sound the alarm against the rampant negligence and irresponsibility and the unscientific empirical attitude seen across all institutional sectors."
Based on the investigation results, legal authorities have begun procedures to arrest and investigate individuals with clear responsibility, and Hong Gil-ho, the manager of the Chongjin Shipyard, was summoned on the 22nd.
Previously, North Korea revealed on the 22nd that an incident occurred on the 21st when a newly built 5,000-ton class destroyer slid and collapsed into the sea due to a loss of balance during the launch process, involving the front and rear sections. Kim Jong Un, the chairman, criticized the incident as a serious and unacceptable major accident and directed an investigation.
Immediately after the incident was disclosed, on the morning of the 22nd, North Korea launched several cruise missiles into the East Sea; however, North Korean media did not mention the missile launches on that day.