The U.S. Air Force is sending a number of teams to assist Indonesia in the search for a submarine that has gone missing with 53 sailors, a Pentagon spokesman has reported. Indonesian President Joko Widodo also announced the same day that the authorities would do everything in their power to locate the submarine. The navy had already announced that the crew would still have oxygen available until Saturday.
The US Department of Defense is “heartbroken” about the news of the submarine that went off radar on Wednesday during a drill off the coast of Bali island. “Our thoughts are with the Indonesian sailors and their families,” said a Pentagon spokesman.
“At the invitation of the Indonesian government, we are sending air forces to assist in the search for the missing submarine.” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will speak with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto on Friday to convey his condolences and discuss how the US can help further, the spokesman said.
Leaked oil has been found at the place where the submarine went diving. That points to possible damage to the fuel tank and has heightened fears that a deadly submarine disaster has occurred.
Indonesia is already receiving support from Malaysia and Singapore, who have sent ships. France, Germany, and Australia have also offered assistance. Indonesia has sent a helicopter and six ships to locate the German-built KRI Nanggala-402.
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