New North Korean destroyer capsizes during launch

In North Korea (DPRK), a new destroyer capsized during its launch from the slipway. It sustained damage to its hull.

Open Source Centre published satellite photos of the accident on the X social media.

Images from Airbus Space show that the ship is partially submerged on its starboard side, with the hull covered in tarpaulin.

The accident during the launch of a newly built 5,000-ton warship at a shipyard in Chongjin on May 21 was officially reported earlier by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Dictator Kim Jong-un, who was present at the ceremony, stated that the accident was caused by negligence and irresponsibility, which could be considered a criminal act.

According to KCNA, during the launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer, the parallel movement of the cradles was not ensured.

As a result, the stern of the ship prematurely left the cradles and ran aground, while the destroyer’s bow did not leave the slipway.

This led to damage, including holes in the hull of the new destroyer.

Kim ordered the ship to be repaired before the June plenum of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

This ship is identical to the multi-purpose destroyer Choe Hyong, which North Korea launched on April 25 this year.

A few days later, comprehensive tests of the newly built ship’s missile and gun armament took place.

The construction of combat ships for this project is currently the most ambitious naval project of the DPRK.