After a bungled launch, the vessel appears to be stuck and lying on its side in the water. North Korea said it was a 5,000-ton destroyer.

Kim promised to punish those responsible for the “catastrophic failure” after the naval vessel partially capsized during a ceremony attended by the leader.

Pyongyang has carried out frequent missile tests in violation of United Nations Security Council sanctions and continues to build out its nuclear weapons program. The Kim Jong Un regime insists both are necessary for self-defense, citing "provocations" by the U.S. and its allies.