By Not that this should be a surprise to anyone reading this site, but the Korean government has officially disclosed that explosive residue likely from a torpedo has been discovered on the wreckage of the Cheonan:
South Korea’s defense minister confirmed Monday that traces of an explosive chemical substance used to make torpedoes were found in the wreckage of a naval ship that sank near the border with North Korea.
The 1,200-ton Cheonan went down in the Yellow Sea on March 26 after an explosion tore through the frigate. Fifty-eight sailors were rescued, but 46 were killed. Seoul has not directly blamed North Korea for the sinking, and Pyongyang has denied involvement. However, suspicion has focused on the North, given its history of provocations and attacks.
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young said earlier that an initial investigation indicated that a torpedo was likely to blame for the disaster. On Monday, he confirmed media reports that traces of a high explosive were found on the ship’s wreckage.
“It’s true that RDX, a chemical substance used in making torpedoes, has been detected,” he told reporters. “The possibility of a torpedo (attack) has increased, but it’s too early to say anything.” [Stars & Stripes]
6:01 am on May 11th, 2010 1
Here South Korea, are the facts, just hurry up and publish them
A North Korean submarine fired a torpedo at the South Korean ship. The torpedo, a Russian Type 53-56VA is a wake-following accoustic-homing torpedo with a 400 kilo charge. The torpedo was launched from a Sang-o class submarine. The torpedo detonated under the stern of the ship (accoustic-homing) breaking the keel and blasting the ship into two. The South Korean government will say the steam turbine exploded or the weapons stored on board exploded causing the destruction of the ship. The reason this is untrue is the design of the ship causes the blast from the ammunition storage and the blast from the steam turbine engine to “self preserve” and cause minimal damage to the ship. The South Korean government will cover-up this incident because of the reprucussions they would be forced to deal with if the truth were revealed.
There is no mystery here, people choose to believe what they are predisposed to believe in. With the news media of today, and everyone singing Kumbaya, people want to believe that the damage was internal to the ship. This is least disruptive to their lives and that’s what people want to believe.
6:55 am on May 12th, 2010 2
With no response from the ROK expect more agressive actions/attacks from NK. This is just pathetic, NK could assassinate the President and to South would just deny, deny, deny.
2:01 pm on May 12th, 2010 3
Still remains much too quiet for me. Furthur discussions and possible reprecussions (I believe) are still being debated.
Therefore no finale decision has been made as to what the government of SK will or will not do. It remains to be seen.