Aussies join the hunt for lost sub

AUSTRALIA has joined the search for the missing Indonesian submarine, as hopes fade for 53 crew on board the vessel.

Indonesia has accepted Australia’s offer to assist in the search for the missing submarine, KRI Nanggala 402, which disappeared in the Lombok Strait, north of Bali, during military exercises on Wednesday.

On Friday Australia’s Department of Defence announced that two ships on separate deployments in the region — HMA Ballarat and Sirius — were on their way to the search area.

Commander of Joint Task Force 635, Rear Admiral Mark Hammond AM, RAN, said the Australian Defence Force stood with its neighbour at this distressing time.

“My thoughts are with the submariners of KRI Nanggala, their families and the Indonesian people,” Rear Admiral Hammond said.

“As always, we stand ready to assist our fellow mariners in the Indonesian navy.

“These two Australian ships will help expand the search area and extend the duration of the search effort.”

The Anzac Class frigate Ballarat, which has sonar capability and a helicopter, is expected to be in the search area after passing through the Lombok Strait.

The support ship Sirius is off the coast of Brunei and will be in the search area from around Tuesday.

Sirius can replenish ships with fuel, water and stores by day and night.

The submarine was last heard from in waters north of Bali while on a training exercise.

Vessels from other countries in the region have also joined the search effort.

Experts believe an electrical fault may have caused the submarine to sink.