North Korean officials arrested after warship blunder ‘brought dignity of country to collapse’ | World News

North Korea has arrested three officials said to be responsible for a major blunder during the launch of a new warship, state media has said.

The failed launch crippled the 5,000-tonne warship and was witnessed by Kim Jong Un.

It ended up with the brand-new ship on its side, taking on water, as the leader looked on in dismay.

After an investigation was launched, authorities arrested the chief engineer of the shipyard, the head of the hull construction workshop and the deputy manager for administrative affairs.

A loss of balance was said to have led to the accident, state media said at the time.

The North Korean dictator called it a “criminal act” and said it “brought the dignity and self-respect of our state to a collapse”, as he vowed to punish those found responsible.

Satellite images show the ship on its side, covered in huge wraps of blue tarpaulin.

The mishap also likely occurred in front of a large crowd at the northeastern port of Chongjin, increasing the public humiliation for Mr Kim.

He has ordered the ship be restored before a ruling party meeting in June.

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State media previously reported that an inspection found no holes on the bottom of the ship, but the starboard hull was scratched and seawater flowed into the stern section through the rescue channel.

The extent of damage was claimed to be “not serious”.