(Adnkronos) – Satellite images show the extent of the “serious incident” that occurred in North Korea, before the eyes of Kim Jong Un, during the launch of a new warship. The images, relaunched by the BBC, show the ship ‘lying’ on its side, covered in blue tarpaulins. Part of the ship appears to be on the quay. The North Korean leader spoke of a “criminal act” and this morning the North Korean agency Kcna announced the start of investigations. There continues to be no clear news from North Korea on the extent of the damage and any casualties from the incident in the port of Chongjin.
This morning, Kcna wrote about damage that – according to the North Koreans – would be less than initially reported, with the clarification that there are no breaches in the hull, although it is damaged. The agency admits that “a certain amount of seawater has flowed into the stern section” and states that it will take about ten days to restore the side of the destroyer. The head of the shipyard, Hong Kil Ho, has been summoned for questioning, the agency reports.
For Kim, the incident was a “criminal act”, the result of “absolute negligence” and “irresponsible mistakes”. Yesterday, the North Korean leader ordered work at record speed so that the destroyer would be ready before the plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling party scheduled for June. But for analysts, CNN pointed out, it would be practically impossible to meet the deadlines imposed by Kim for the work to be carried out before a new launch.
