The US military is helping Indonesia search for a missing submarine. The submarine carries 53 crew members.
In order to aid Indonesia’s search, the US military is sending airborne assistance.
According to the Indonesian authorities, they have just a few hours left before the oxygen runs out.
The KRI Nanggala 402 disappeared on Wednesday while doing exercises off the coast of Bali. And since then, the authorities are trying to locate the stricken vessel.
Some officials have suggested, that the cause of disappearance could be damaged fuel tank.
John Kirby, Pentagon spokesperson told that the US was “deeply saddened” by the turn of events.
Mr Kirby stated – “Our thoughts are with the Indonesian sailors and their families,”. “At the invitation of the Indonesian government, we are sending airborne assets to assist in the search for the missing submarine.” He added.
On Thursday, the Indonesian military detected signs of an object at a depth of about 165 to 330 feet.
Ships with sonar-tracking system had been deployed to see if that object is the KRI Nanggala 402.
“We’ve only got until 0300 tomorrow [Saturday] so we’re maximising all of our efforts today,” said Indonesian military spokesman Achmad Riad. “Hopefully there will be a bright spot.”
Various countries such as Australia, France and Germany have offered assistance. Singapore and Malaysia have dispatched ships to the area where the submarine is said to be disappeared.
At least six warships, a helicopter and over 400 people have been trying to find the missing submarine.
The German-built vessel lost contact shortly after diving for live torpedo exercises early on Wednesday morning. It is one of the five submarines operated by Indonesia.
According to a navy spokesman it was the first time that Indonesia has lost one of it’ s submarines. But other countries have experienced this type of similar incidents.
