North Korea detains 3 shipyard officials over the failed launch of a naval destroyer

[mahatmakanejeeves]

WORLD NEWS
North Korea detains 3 shipyard officials over the failed launch of a naval destroyer

{snip satellite view of ship dead in the water}

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows a blue tarp covering a North Korean destroyer after it suffered a failed launch while it was being put to sea in Chongjin, North Korea, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

BY HYUNG-JIN KIM
Updated 10:41 PM EDT, May 24, 2025

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea authorities have detained three shipyard officials over the recent failed launch of a naval destroyer, an incident that leader Kim Jong Un said was caused by criminal negligence, state media said Sunday.

The 5,000-ton-class destroyer was damaged Wednesday when a transport cradle on the ship’s stern detached early during a launch ceremony attended by Kim at the northeastern port of Chongjin. Satellite imagery on the site showed the vessel lying on its side and draped in blue covers, with parts of the ship submerged.

The vessel is North Korea’s second known destroyer. The failed launch was subsequently an embarrassment to Kim, who is eager to build greater naval forces to deal with what he calls U.S.-led military threats.

North Korea launched its first destroyer, also a 5,000-ton-class ship, with massive fanfare last month. The ship is North Korea’s largest and most advanced warship and state media reported it is designed to carry various weapons including nuclear missiles.

{snip}

[Dave Bowman]

1. That maniac will probably have them executed with a flamethrower.

[Norrrm]

2. They'll probably be fired... out of a cannon.

[Picaro]

3. Sure Trump would take a similar stance in this sort of situation

This is a reminder of what autocracy offers.

I could easily imagine Trump arresting people when an accidental failure happens. Can’t you?

The remains of our justice system would probably prevent execution. But he would work to ensure the ruination of all involved.

Stay tuned. Something will happen with the Qatari 747 albatross. Careers will be ruined when he’s told the delivery schedule won’t be an improvement on Boeing’s.