There Are Haul-Outs, and then There Are Haul-Outs

[Starbuck]

Remember that South Korea ship that the North torpedoed recently? Here it is (minus the back third, which sank), sitting in its cradle:



And here is the crane that is holding it: 1,200 tons of lifting, and I don't think it's near its max.


In related news, China today said it would back North Korea in the event of a conflict. Care to see that bet, Mr. President?

[DeepFrz]

What's wrong with those pictures?

[tager]

Oh ****. World War 3.

[roverhi]

The pictures are the front and back half of the Korean ship. Wonder why it took so long to determine that it was a torpedo that sank them. Must not have had their passive sonar on.

[DeepFrz]

Oh, okay, couldn't quite put it together...duh.

[inSanity]

I missed the China angle. That's not good.

[brak]

China said nothing of the kind. They have very little interest in even maintaining the North Korean status quo, much less fighting on their behalf.

[Adelie]

As I understand it China is trying to keep a lid on things. China trades with both sides, but more importantly doesn't want the several million refugees that would be generated if the DPK and ROK went at it or even if the KFR (Kim Family Regime) folded during the upcoming succession struggle. China really likes the status quo, though that would not keep them from backing the DPK if they thought that it would prevent a tidal wave of refugees.