Search continues for missing Indonesian submarine

Search for the Indonesian submarine that went missing with 53 people on board continued today after rescuers found an oil spill near where the vessel dived and as neighbouring countries pledged to help.

Indonesian Navy said that the 44-year-old submarine, KRI Nanggala-402, was conducting a torpedo drill in waters north of the island of Bali yesterday but failed to relay the results as expected.

The navy added that it is possible that during static diving, a blackout occurred so control was lost.

The Defence Ministry of Indonesia said that an aerial search found an oil spill near the submarine’s dive location and two navy vessels with sonar capability have been deployed to assist in the search.

The Ministry added that requests for assistance had been sent and Australia, Singapore and India had responded.