North Korean torpedo sunk South Korean ship

POLITICS - International investigators have finished studying the wreckage of the 1,200-ton frigate named Cheonan that sank on March 26th after an explosion ripped through its hull. Fifty-eight sailors survived, but 46 were killed in the explosion or drowned soon after. The investigators have concluded it was a North Korean torpedo that sunk the ship.

Last night the inquiry announced they had found “clear and definitive material evidence” that North Korea was behind the attack. As evidence they presented a pair of propellers, a propulsion shaft and four rudders of a torpedo. The explosive chemical RDX was found around the blast area. The serial numbers on the torpedo were similar to those found on another North Korean torpedo 7 years ago. Navigational hardware found also matched those used by North Korea.

South Korean president Lee Myung-bak earlier this month threatened “stern action” if allegations of North Korean involvement prove true. Now they have been proven.

North Korea immediately branded the report a “fabrication” and threatened war if retaliatory measures were taken.

China is urging calm as it does its own investigation of the attack. China is North Korea's only remaining ally and trading partner, but is under enormous pressure because it now considers South Korea, Japan and the USA allies as well.

North Korea has nuclear weapon technology, as previously demonstrated, and also has missile technology capable of reaching as far away as Hawaii. A North Korean sub armed with nuclear missiles could hit mainland United States. Japan is also considered a major target and long time enemy.