North Korea raises capsized warship damaged in botched launch
Seoul, South Korea: North Korea says it has recovered its brand-new warship that partially capsized in a launch accident witnessed by Kim Jong-un late last month.
Satellite images analysed by the Associated Press showed the stricken destroyer upright and floating in the north-eastern port of Chongjin. It wasn't immediately clear how much damage it had sustained from the botched launch and from lying in the water for days afterwards.
Experts will closely examine the vessel's hull before beginning the next phase of restoration, which will take place at a dry dock at the neighbouring port of Rajin, North Korea's official KCNA news agency said on Friday.
The state media update aligned with South Korean military assessments of the warship, which leader Kim Jong-un has described as a significant asset for his nuclear-armed military.
Jo Chun-ryong, a senior official from the ruling Workers' Party, told the KCNA that the 'perfect restoration of the destroyer will be completed without fail' before a major party congress in late June, a deadline set by Kim.
Outside experts say the condition of the 5000-tonne ship remains unclear following the failed launch, which triggered a furious response from Kim, who described it as a 'criminal act caused by absolute carelessness'.
The vessel does not appear to be noticeably listing in the latest satellite images, meaning Pyongyang can likely send it onward to the other port to inspect its electronics.
North Korean law enforcement has detained at least four officials over the incident, including the vice director of the Workers' Party's munitions industry department, according to state media. The North's main military committee said those responsible would be held accountable for their 'unpardonable criminal act'.
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