North Korea aims to repair damaged ship in 10 days, but experts say it's impossible

Two days after the failed launch of a North Korean naval ship, the first satellite images have emerged showing the vessel partially submerged on one side and still partly on the dock. The destroyer appears to be covered with blue tarpaulin, likely to prevent satellite images from revealing classified features.

North Korea claims the damage is minor and that it will take ten days to pump out the water and repair the ship, but experts doubt this. South Korean defense expert Lee Il-woo suggests the engine room at the rear may be flooded and the hull punctured. He estimates repairs could take up to a year.

The 5,000-ton warship was supposed to slide sideways into the water during its launch in Chongjin, a method never before used for naval ships in North Korea. The failure may have been due to heavy weapon systems causing imbalance or premature release by a lifting vessel. Dictator Kim Jong-un has called the incident a 'criminal act' and severe punishment is expected for those held responsible.