**North Korea Arrests Officials Following Warship Launch Mishap**

**North Korea's KCNA reports that three individuals have been detained as part of an investigation into a warship launch accident that caused significant structural damage to the newly constructed vessel.**

 

North Korea has taken the unusual step of detaining three officials from a shipyard following an accident during the launch of a new warship on Wednesday, as confirmed by the state media outlet. The mishap resulted in part of the warship's hull sustaining damage, leading to concerns over its stability at launch.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the individuals detained include the chief engineer of the Chongjin shipyard, the construction manager, and an administrative officer. The report attributed direct responsibility for the incident to these officials. Following the launch, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un condemned the accident, labeling it a "criminal act" and ordering a thorough investigation.

Satellite imagery revealed the warship resting on its side and covered with large blue tarpaulins, with parts of the hull appearing to have rolled onto land. While KCNA reported the absence of injuries, it characterized the structural damage as minimal, indicating that the hull's starboard side was merely scratched and that some seawater had leaked into the aft section.

Kim criticized the circumstances surrounding the launch as the result of "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," intimating that those responsible would face consequences at an upcoming party plenary session. The exact nature of the potential punishments remains unclear, but observers note the country's notorious human rights record.

Historically, North Korea has been reticent in disclosing local accidents, making this incident noteworthy. The launch mishap occurs shortly after North Korea unveiled another warship of similar specifications, which Kim hailed as a significant advancement in the modernization of the navy, with plans for deployment slated for early next year.