A North Korean warship that tipped over during its launch ceremony as the supreme leader looked on appears to have been righted, satellite imagery shows.
The U.S.-based website 38 North, which specializes in North Korea, said that imagery taken on Monday showed the 5,000-ton naval destroyer standing upright at a shipyard in the northeastern port city of Chongjin. Imagery taken on Thursday showed it floating in the harbor.
The warship fell sideways into the sea during its launch at the shipyard on May 21, stoking the anger of leader Kim Jong Un, who called it a “grave and unacceptable accident” and a “serious criminal act.” He had demanded the vessel be fully restored before a key ruling party meeting later this month.
Monday’s imagery showed the vessel upright for the first time, with its bow on land, 38 North said.
38 North said the recovery operation was likely conducted manually. In satellite imagery taken on May 29, workers could be seen pulling ropes attached to the vessel from the dock. More than 30 flotation balloons had been placed along one side of the warship apparently to help lift it upright.
Thursday’s imagery showed that many of the balloons still appeared to be attached to the floating vessel, possibly to stabilize it in an upright position or as insurance against further accidents, 38 North said.
Imagery also suggested potential damage to the ship’s sonar system, located on the lower hull. 38 North noted that any repair would require dry-docking the vessel, adding that Chongjin Shipyard lacks the necessary facilities, such as a large floating dock.
