North Korea has arrested three employees of a shipyard following a major accident during the christening of a new naval vessel. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reacted furiously to the incident, calling it an “unforgivable criminal act”.
One of those arrested is the chief engineer of the shipyard, the North Korean state press agency reported on Sunday.
The accident occurred on Wednesday in the waters of Chongjin, a port city in northeastern North Korea. The intention was to launch the new naval vessel. However, during the official ceremony, the rear part of the ship slipped off the ramp. The front part remained stuck on the ramp.
Kim reacted furiously to the accident. There was probably a large crowd present during the ceremony, which only increased the public humiliation for him. He immediately spoke of an “unforgivable criminal act” and stated that those responsible would not get away with it.
It is unclear how much damage the 5,000-ton naval vessel has sustained. Initially, North Korea reported that there were holes in the ship’s hull, but the country later retracted those statements. However, the hull is said to be scratched, and water is said to have entered the rear part of the ship.
North Korea has not released any images of the accident, but satellite images show the naval vessel lying on its side in the water. A blue tarpaulin is placed over it. North Korea describes the damage as “not serious”.
Although North Korea claims that there is little wrong, three people have been arrested. According to the isolated country, this has nothing to do with the damage or the economic loss. “The goal is to deliver a devastating blow to carelessness, irresponsibility and the unscientific attitude,” North Korea states.
