Racing Against Time, The Celukan Bawang Waters Are The Focus Of The Search For The KRI Nanggala-402 Submarine

Illustration of KRI Nanggala-402 (doc. Between)

JAKARTA - The search for the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine continues. The focus of the search was carried out near the Celukan Bawang area in the northern part of Bali.

"So, if a line is drawn, the distance from Celukan Bawang is approximately 23 nautical miles or approximately 40 kilometers north of Celukan Bawang", said Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service (Kadispenal) First Admiral Julius Widjojono, in his statement, Saturday, April 24.

Not only that said Julius, but searches were also carried out at several other points that have very strong magnetic power. Includes a clue that mentions an oil spill in the area.

KRI Rigel-933 from the Indonesian Navy Hydro-Oceanography Center was also deployed in the search for the German-made submarine. "KRI Rigel is more in that direction (magnetism) to ascertain what the object is".

Until now, assistance from other countries, he said, only came from Australia. Australia sent HMAS Ballarat to assist in the search for KRI Nanggala-402.

"Those that have just arrived from Australia (HMAS Ballarat), while other ships such as the Poseidon from the United States, HMAS Sirius from Australia, and MV Swift from Singapore have not arrived", said the Head of the Penal.

It was reported earlier that on Saturday, April 24, was the maximum deadline for oxygen supplies at KRI Nanggala-402, after losing contact since last Wednesday, April 21. So far, the National Army (TNI) has deployed 21 KRIs, most of which have sonar detection power to map the situation at the depths and seabed.

In addition, the TNI also received the assistance of four ships and a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) from the police. The National Search and Relief Agency (Basarnas) also deployed two ships and one ROV to assist in the search for KRI Nanggala-402 which was carrying 53 passengers.