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S. Korea points to likely torpedo attack

SEOUL, April 25 (UPI) -- South Korea Sunday said a torpedo attack was the most likely cause of last month's sinking of one of its warships near a disputed sea border with North Korea.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young became the first official to publicly blame a torpedo for the sinking of the ship, which killed 40 South Korean sailors and left six missing, The New York Times reported.

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The newspaper noted mounting suspicion the ship may have been hit by a North Korean torpedo, but before now, the claim had not been officially made. North Korea has denied involvement in the sinking of the 1,200-ton Cheonan, which split in half before going down in the Yellow Sea March 26.

Kim cited as a possible cause a "bubble jet," which occurs when a torpedo or mine detonates near or under a ship, creates a change in pressure. That forms a bubble underwater whose force as it expands and collapses can break a ship apart.

"A bubble jet caused by a heavy torpedo is thought to be the most likely thing to be blamed, but various other possibilities are also under review," he said.

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South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted a Chinese investigator Sunday as saying: "Instead of being directly hit by a torpedo or other underwater weapon, the Cheonan was affected by a strong explosion that occurred below its bottom at a close range."

South Korean Prime Minister Chung Un-chan released a statement announcing five days of mourning for the Cheonan crew, saying: "The government will carry out an objective and thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster and take stern measures accordingly.

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