
This content was originally published by Radio Free Asia, and it is now being reprinted with permission.
A North Korean ship that tipped over last month when it was launched, according to satellite imagery, is currently undergoing repairs near the Russian and Chinese borders.
The 5, 000-ton marine battleship is seen in a port in Raijin, which is located in a particular financial area in the country’s northern edge, according to an image from Maxar Technologies taken on Sunday.
The warship sank backward into the sea on May 21 when it was launched at the Chongjin shipyard, causing it to partially submerge, igniting Kim Jong Un, who described it as a “grave and intolerable accident” and a” significant criminal act.”
To the surprise of most foreign observers, North Korea was able to raise the warship 45 miles ( 72 kilometers ) up the coast to Rajin, also known as Rason, last week.
The ship was relaunched next Thursday, according to the state-run Asian Central News Agency. According to the report, experts will study the ship for the upcoming restoration phase, which will take place at Rajin Dockyard for 7 to 10 days.
Kim had attended the botched start on May 21, which severely hampered North Korea’s plans to establish a blue liquid army. Prior to a crucial ruling party conference later this month, he had demanded that the vessel remain entirely restored.
On May 25, a report from the state media stated that various Chongjin Shipyard employees had been detained because the start failed.