Desperate hunt for Indonesian submarine as oxygen set to run out
The United States has joined the search for an Indonesian submarine that went missing two days ago that has less than a day’s supply of oxygen left for its 53 person crew.
The KRI Nanggala 402 disappeared after its last reported dive on Wednesday off the resort island of Bali, and concern is mounting the submarinemay have sunk too deep to reach or recover.
Rescue teams are now in a desperate race against time to try and locate the vessel which is expected to run out of oxygen by around 3 a.m. Saturday. The US military today confirmed it is sending airborne assets to assist in the search.
President Joko Widodo has asked Indonesians to pray for the crew’s safe return, while ordering all-out efforts to locate the stricken submarine.
Facts about the missing German-built submarine
- The KRI Nanggala-402 was built in Germany in 1977, according to Indonesia‘s Defense Ministry, and joined Indonesia‘s fleet in 1981.
- It underwent a two-year total repair in South Korea that concluded in 2012, according to state news agency Antara. In that process the submarine‘s structure, navigation, and underwater weapon and sonar systems were strengthened, it reported at the time.
- The submarine has a deadweight of 1,395 tonnes, a cruising speed of 21.5 knots, and can carry 34 sailors, according to its basic specification, Antara said.
- It is among the five submarines that Indonesia has commissioned.
- It was built to sustain pressure to about a maximum of 250 metres (820 ft) depth, a military official said.
A member of Indonesian navy personnel walks past a map of the searching area
(via REUTERS)
Joe Middleton23 April 2021 13:05
The crew only have enough oxygen to last until Saturday afternoon – armed forces
Indonesian navy chief General Achmad Riad said that the submarine is expected to run out of oxygen in the next 24 hours.
He told reporters on Friday: “We will maximise the effort today, until the time limit tomorrow (of) 3am.”
There have been no signs of life from the submarine, but the spokesperson refused to speculate on its fate.
Joe Middleton23 April 2021 12:56
The US sends ‘airborne assets’ to join the search
The US military is sending “airborne assets” to assist in the submarine search, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed on Twitter.
In addition to that US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to speak with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto on Friday “to convey our sorrow and to discuss how else the United States can be of assistance,” Kirby said.
It is understood that the US is sending a reconnaissance plane to help ongoing rescue efforts.
Joe Middleton23 April 2021 12:46
Good afternoon
Welcome to The Independent’s live blog on the Indonesian submarine that disappeared off the coast of Bali on Wednesday.
We will be bringing you minute-by-minute updates as rescue teams desperately try to locate the missing vessel and save the 53-person crew.
Joe Middleton23 April 2021 12:39
