North Korea pulls capsized warship upright after botched launch, report says

North Korea appears to have returned to an upright position its stricken Choe Hyun Class destroyer that partially capsized during a botched launching ceremony.

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea appears to have returned to an upright position its stricken Choe Hyun Class destroyer that partially capsized during a botched launching ceremony, U.S. researchers said Wednesday.

Leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the failed launch of the 5,000-ton warship, said the accident damaged the country’s dignity and vowed to punish those found responsible.

Commercial satellite imagery from June 2 showed the destroyer upright for the first time since the May 21 accident, the 38 North program, which studies the nuclear-armed North, said in a report.

Since the accident, North Korea has said it detained several officials, and Kim ordered the ship restored before a ruling party meeting this month.

“Commercial satellite imagery shows workers at the port in Chongjin have taken a significant step towards that goal,” 38 North said in its report.