North Korea’s newest warship was severely damaged during a launch ceremony Wednesday, with leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the accident, saying it brought shame to the nation’s prestige and vowing to punish those found responsible,

North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un said a new naval destroyer was damaged in a "serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness."

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the 5,000-ton-class destroyer, launched Wednesday at the Chongjin port in the northeast, became destabilized during its transfer to the water. The transport cradle supporting the stern section reportedly slid off first, causing the vessel to tilt and rupture along its lower hull.