DPRK starts full probe into warship accident

PYONGYANG -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has launched a full investigation into a failed warship launch that occurred Wednesday at the Chongjin Shipyard, state media reported Friday.

The newly built 5,000-ton destroyer suffered a "serious accident" during the launch. An underwater and internal inspection revealed scratches on the starboard hull and seawater intrusion into the stern through the rescue channel, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Contrary to earlier reports, no holes were found at the bottom of the vessel, it added.

Experts said that restoring balance to the warship will take two to three days, with full repairs to the damaged side expected to take approximately 10 days, according to KCNA.

After receiving the assessment on Thursday, the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea said the extent of damage to the warship was not serious.

However, the commission stressed that regardless of the ship's condition, the accident was an "unpardonable criminal act" and those responsible must be held accountable, KCNA reported.

Hong Kil Ho, manager of the Chongjin Shipyard, was summoned by law enforcement on Thursday, the report added.