Repairs under way on North Korean warship that embarrassed Kim Jong Un
Catastrophe struck when the destroyer sustained damage during what was supposed to be a proud display of the country's naval power.
Monday 26 May 2025 09:43, UK
Repairs are under way on a new North Korean warship which failed to launch last week, state media has said.
The 5,000-tonne vessel ended up on its side and taking on water with leader Kim Jong Un looking on in dismay.
"The work for completely restoring the balance of the warship is being actively conducted... according to its schedule," KCNA said on Monday.
The destroyer was launched on Wednesday at the northeastern port of Chongjin - but a loss of balance saw the vessel sustain damage.
The North Korean leader called the failed launch a "criminal act" and said the incident "brought the dignity and self-respect of our state to a collapse" as he vowed to punish those found responsible.
An investigation has been launched and authorities have arrested the chief engineer of the shipyard, the head of the hull construction workshop and the deputy manager for administrative affairs.
Read more from Sky News:
Trump: Putin has gone absolutely crazy
Dozens killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
An internal inspection found there were no holes at the bottom of the warship, but the starboard hull was scratched and seawater flowed into the stern section through the rescue channel.
The extent of the damage was claimed to be "not serious".
Satellite imagery of the shipyard showed the warship on its side and covered in what appears to be blue tarpaulin.
Mr Kim has ordered the ship to be restored before a ruling party meeting in June.