KRI Rigel Checks Findings Of Magnetic Fields In The Search Area For KRI Nanggala-402

Documentation of KRI Nanggala-402 in the waters of Dermaga Indah Kiat Cilegon, Banten (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Head of the Indonesian Armed Forces Information Center Maj. Gen. Achmad Riadi said the KRI Rimau detected a very strong magnetic spot in the search area for KRI Nanggala-402 that had been missing since Wednesday, April 21.

These findings will be followed up by deploying KRI Rigel, which is currently near the location of the search.

"It is hoped that this afternoon or evening (KRI Rigel, red) can be docked soon so that it can be established immediately or build and plan search activities in more detail", said Achmad during a press conference at I Ngurah Rai Indonesian Air Force Base, Badung, Bali, Friday, April 23.

He explained that currently, the entire northern waters of Bali are the target of the search for this German-made submarine. The search was carried out by deploying various existing equipment and ships.

Also, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Yudo Margono conducted direct monitoring using KRI Soeharso.

"Mr. TNI Commander (Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto) and the Chief of Police (General Listyo Sigit Prabowo) will also go there to directly monitor the search process", he said.

In this search effort, several ships owned by the TNI have been deployed. At least, 21 ships disembarked on a search and rescue mission for 53 crew members of the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine, one of which was the KRI Alugoro submarine.

Previously reported, several clues had been found during the search operation since last Wednesday, April 23, including a spill of fuel that was 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.

At least 21 ships are belonging to the TNI 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.