North Korea has arrested three shipyard officials, according to state media, following a humiliating warship launch failure that leader Kim Jong-un branded a "criminal act".
The incident occurred last Wednesday in the port city of Chongjin when a 5,000-tonne destroyer, intended to symbolise the nation's military might, was damaged during its high-profile launch.
State media reported on Sunday that the three officials had been detained over what was described as a "serious accident".
The three officials detained have been identified as chief engineer Kang Jong Chol, hull workshop head Han Kyong Hak, and deputy manager Kim Yong Hak.
Satellite images show the blunder
Reuters
According to North Korean state news agency KCNA, the incident was "a criminal act caused by absolute carelessness" and those responsible "can never evade their responsibility for the crime".
The launch failure occurred when the vessel ended up crushed and listing in the harbour.
Kim Jong-un, who witnessed the launch in person, was reportedly fuming that the fiasco had "damaged the country's dignity".
The North Korean leader has since ordered the ship to be restored before next month's ruling party meeting, with repairs already underway.
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KCNA emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating: "No matter how good the state of the warship is, the fact that the accident is an unpardonable criminal act remains unchanged."
Satellite images revealed the vessel lying on its side, covered in blue tarps.
The stern appeared to have slipped into the water whilst the bow remained on the shipway, creating what experts described as an embarrassing spectacle for the regime.
South Korea's military, citing joint analysis with US intelligence, confirmed the side-launch attempt had failed and left the ship crippled.
Kim Jong-un has vowed to punish those behind the 'criminal act'
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However, North Korean state media claimed an inspection showed "no holes made at the warship's bottom" and called the damage "not serious".
Jong-un is searching for scapegoats as part of a high-stakes purge.
The manager of the Chongjin shipyard, Hong Kil Ho, has also been summoned by law enforcement and could face similar consequences to the three officials already detained.
The failed destroyer is thought to be the same class as the newly unveiled Choe Hyon warship, a 5,000-tonne vessel reportedly capable of carrying nuclear-capable cruise missiles.
