KRI Rimau Finds A Strong Magnetic Point In A Depth Of 50-100 Meters In Bali Sea, KRI Nanggala-402?

KRI Nanggala-402 reportedly lost contact in Bali waters. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Head of the Indonesian Armed Forces Information Center (Kapuspen) Maj. Gen. Achmad Riad said that KRI Rimau had detected a strong magnetic spot in the search area for the waters north of Bali Island.

"There is a magnetic point that is strong enough, hopefully it will not change and will be pursued. Hopefully it will become a bright spot," said Achmad Riad during a press conference at the Base Ops Base Ngurah Rai, Badung, Bali, Friday, April 23.

Previously, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Yudo Margono conveyed the same thing. The magnetic point found by KRI Rimau has a high enough strength and is at a depth of approximately 50-100 meters in a floating condition.

"The findings from the KRI Rimau, are planned to be followed up by KRI Rigel, which is likely to arrive at the search location on Friday afternoon or evening," added the Head of the Riad Penal Office.

He continued to explain that so far the search area for KRI Nanggala-402 is still concentrated in the waters north of Bali. "The territory is still 65 miles from the waters north of Bali," said the TNI chief during a press conference.

Several clues have been found during the search operation since last Wednesday, April 23, including a spill of fuel that is thought to have originated from KRI Nanggala-402.

It is estimated that the oxygen capability in KRI Nanggala-402 will only be available for up to 72 hours or approximately three days in a state of total death (blackout). The ship lost contact at 03.00 WITA, so oxygen may be available until 03.00 WITA or Saturday, April 24 tomorrow.

There are at least 21 ships belonging to the TNI that have been deployed to search for KRI Nanggala-402, including among the KRI Alugoro submarines.

Regarding this, Riad said that the TNI also received assistance from four ships from the police, as well as several ships and equipment from friendly countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, India and Australia.

"We will receive all the assistance. The process will be accelerated because of the time we are chasing," said Riad. He added that the process of receiving the aid will be coordinated by the intelligence assistant to the TNI commander and the intelligence assistant for the chief of staff of the Navy.

KRI Nanggala-402 conducted a dive at around 03.00 WITA, Wednesday, to conduct torpedo launching exercise 8. The last communication with KRI Nanggala-402 took place at 04.25 WITA, when the training task force commander would authorize the firing of the torpedo.