![]() ![]() The Bali Sea can reach depths of more than 1,500 metres. The diesel-electric powered submarine could withstand a depth of up to 500 metres (1,640 ft) but anything more could be fatal, Navy spokesman Julius Widjojono said. It now operates five - the two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South Korean vessels.Indonesia's navy said it was investigating whether the submarine lost power during a dive and could not carry out emergency procedures as it descended to a depth of 600-700 metres, well beyond its survivable limits.Īn object with "high magnetic force" had been spotted "floating" at a depth of 50-100 metres, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Yudo Margono said, and an aerial search had earlier spotted an oil spill near the submarine's last location. Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines bought from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of the sprawling archipelago. Indonesia has been seeking to modernize its defense capabilities but some of its equipment is old and there have been fatal accidents in recent years. Meanwhile, two Australian ships were heading for the search area including a support ship and a frigate with sonar capabilities, the defense department said in a statement. US defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to speak with Indonesian defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on Friday “to convey our sorrow and to discuss how else the US can be of assistance,” Kirby said. ![]() The US defense Department is sending “airborne assets” to assist in the submarine search, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Twitter. ![]() ![]() (File photo: AFP)Ī number of countries have responded to Indonesia’s requests for assistance, with Australia, Malaysia, India, Singapore and the US sending specialized ships or aircraft. Members of the Indonesia Rescue Agency prepare to take part in the search operation for an Indonesian Navy submarine that went missing during military exercises off the coast of Bali, at Celukan Bawang port in Buleleng province on April 22, 2021. The navy has said a blackout may have occurred during static diving, causing a loss of control and preventing emergency procedures from being carried out. It underwent a two-year refit in South Korea that was completed in 2012. The 1,395-ton vessel was built in Germany in 1977 and joined the Indonesian fleet in 1981, according to the defense ministry. The Bali Sea can reach depths of more than 1,500 meters.Īn aerial search also spotted an oil spill near the submarine’s dive location, which the navy said could indicate damage to the vessel or could be a signal from the crew. The diesel-electric powered submarine could withstand a depth of up to 500 meters but anything more could be fatal, a navy spokesman said. It was unclear if the object was suspended or on the sea floor. While nothing conclusive had been found in the search so far, Yudo said an item with “high magnetic force” at a depth of 50-100 meters (164-328 ft) had been spotted. The commander of the Indonesian submarine fleet, Harry Setiawan, was one of four people aboard who were not regular crew members, a military official said. “Hopefully before they can be found, the oxygen will be enough,” Yudo Margono, the navy chief of staff, told a news conference. Officials have said the air supply of the submarine, which had been cleared for use and was said to be in good condition, would last only until Saturday. Helicopters also flew from Bali at first light. “The main priority is the safety of the 53 crew members,” President Joko Widodo said late on Thursday, calling for an all-out effort to find the vessel. ![]()
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