In a recent development, we have deployed 21 warships for the search operation. This includes KRI Alugoro. If possible, there will be additional (rescue ships).
Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Maj. Gen. Achmad Riad confirmed TNI's 21 warships, including KRI Alugoro submarine, have been deployed to search the KRI Nanggala 402 submarine, missing in the seas north of Bali since Wednesday (April 21).

"In a recent development, we have deployed 21 warships for the search operation. This includes KRI Alugoro. If possible, there will be additional (rescue ships)," Riad notified the press at the Base Ops of the Ngurah Rai Air Base here on Friday.

The Indonesian Police has deployed four ships -- Gelatik, Enggang, Barata, and Balam -- to help the TNI locate the submarine.

"The police's ships are equipped with drones with two-dimension sonar," he remarked.

In addition, Singapore has sent its rescue vessel MV Swift Rescue that is scheduled to arrive on late Friday.

"Mega Bakti ship from Malaysia, HMAS Ballarat from Australia, HMAS Sirius from Australia, and one ship from India are expected to arrive," he stated.

Indonesia's KRI Rigel, with underwater tracking capability, will arrive soon to follow up on the recent finding of KRI Rimau.

Riad earlier remarked that KRI Rimau had detected an object, with strong magnetic force, in the seas of north Bali.

German-made KRI Nanggala-402, with 53 sailors on board, lost contact while it was preparing for a torpedo drill in the Bali waters.

The missing submarine was officially inducted into the navy in 1981.

The 209/1300-type submarine was built in Germany's Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. Its propulsion system uses a Siemens low-speed diesel electric motor, connected directly to the propeller shaft, which generates about five thousand shaft horsepower.

The electrical power is stored in batteries, constituting 25 percent of the vessel’s weight, according to the navy. Four MTU diesel supercharged engines generate electricity in the vessel. Related news: Rescuers detect strong magnetic force at site of missing submarine
Related news: TNI's five warships, helicopter search for submarine KRI Nanggala-402

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Translator: Ayu K Pranishita, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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