North Korea Employs Unconventional Methods to Salvage the Capsized Warship
In a remarkable display of determination and resourcefulness, North Korea has successfully salvaged a 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer that capsized during its launch on May 21, 2025. The incident, which occurred at the Chongjin Shipyard, was attributed to a malfunction in the sideways launch method, causing the stern to enter the water while the bow remained on land, resulting in the vessel tipping onto its side
Leader Kim Jong Un, who was present during the failed launch, condemned the event as a "criminal act" and ordered the ship to be righted swiftly. In response, North Korean engineers employed unconventional methods, including the use of approximately 40 large white balloons, each about 20 feet wide, to provide buoyancy and assist in lifting the vessel upright.
Satellite imagery from June 2 confirmed that the ship had been restored to an upright position at the port of Chongjin, with plans to move it to a dry dock in Rajin for further inspection and repairs. The next phase of repairs is projected to take 7-10 days, aiming for completion before the upcoming Workers' Party meeting later this month.
The Choe Hyon-class destroyer is a significant component of North Korea's naval modernization efforts, equipped with advanced technologies such as phased array radar and a vertical launching system. The successful salvage and planned restoration of the vessel underscore Pyongyang's commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities despite recent setbacks.
This incident and the subsequent recovery efforts highlight North Korea's determination to advance its naval strength, employing both conventional and unconventional methods to overcome challenges.
