In turn, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced that the authorities would do everything in their power to locate the submarine. The Navy had previously announced that oxygen would remain available to the crew until Saturday.
‘Heart broken’
The US Department of Defense is “saddened” by the news of the submarine, which disappeared from the radar on Wednesday during an exercise off the coast of Bali. “Our thoughts are with the Indonesian sailors and their families,” a Pentagon spokesman said.
“At the invitation of the Indonesian government, we are sending air forces to help search for the missing submarine.” The spokesman said that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will speak today with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto to discuss how the United States can provide more assistance.
Fatal disaster
The spilled oil was found as the submarine went to dive points to potentially damage the fuel tank and increased fears of a fatal submarine disaster.
Indonesia is already receiving support from Malaysia and Singapore, which have sent ships. France, Germany and Australia also offered to help. Indonesia sent a helicopter and six ships to locate the German-made KRI Nanggala-402.
