In the wake of Wednesday's destroyer launch accident at the Chongjin Shipyard, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has deployed a full-scale probe to uncover the causes and chart a recovery path.
An investigation team, comprised of public prosecutors and naval experts, began a detailed review on Friday, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
KCNA cited the probe's early findings: "Detailed underwater and internal inspection of the warship confirmed that, unlike the initial announcement, there were no holes made at the warship's bottom; the hull starboard was scratched and a certain amount of seawater flowed into the stern section through the rescue channel."
Experts estimate it will take two to three days to pump out the floodwater and rebalance the warship on the slipway, followed by about ten days to restore the hull's side. Engineers are testing advanced pumping systems and modern composite materials to accelerate repairs.
The accident has also affected coastal communities around Chongjin, whose residents rely on the shipyard for employment and trade – highlighting the human dimension of large-scale industrial projects and the importance of transparent, timely investigations.
Stay tuned for updates on the investigation's next steps and its ripple effects on naval operations and regional economies worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
