North Korea makes arrests over botched ship launch

North Korea has detained three shipyard officials over an accident during the launch of a new warship on Wednesday, state media say. Parts of the 5,000-tonne destroyer's bottom were crushed during the launch ceremony, tipping the vessel off balance. An investigation into the incident, which North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un described as a "criminal act", is ongoing.

KCNA, North Korea's official news agency, identified those detained as the chief engineer of the northern Chongjin shipyard where the destroyer was built, as well as the construction head and an administrative manager. The report said that the three were "responsible for the accident".

On Friday, KCNA said the manager of the shipyard, Hong Kil Ho, had been summoned by law enforcers. Satellite images showed the vessel lying on its side covered by large blue tarpaulins, and a portion of the vessel appeared to be on land.

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