North Korea investigates failed warship launch that infuriated Kim Jong-un
The North Korean leader has demanded accountability for the mishap that occurred in front of him
Pyongyang has said the incident on Wednesday was caused by a loss of balance while the vessel was being launched, and sections of the bottom of the warship were crushed.
An internal inspection found that there were no holes at the warship’s bottom, but the starboard hull was scratched and seawater flowed into the stern section through the rescue channel, the report said.
The extent of damage was “not serious”, the report said, adding the investigation group was ordered to find the cause of the accident and those responsible for it. The report did not mention any injuries or deaths as a result of the accident.
The mishap likely occurred in front of a large crowd, increasing the public humiliation for Kim, military analysts said.