Submarine missing with 53 crew

AN international search was under way last night for an Indonesian navy submarine missing off Bali with 53 crew.

The KRI Nanggala 402 was rehearsing for a missile-firing exercise when it missed a scheduled reporting call.

The defence ministry said the submarine lost contact after being granted clearance to dive. It said a helicopter later spotted an oil spill near the dive’s starting position. Local media reports said the navy believes the submarine, which is 44 years old, sank into a trough to a depth of 2,300ft, about 60 miles north of Bali. It was carrying 49 crew members, its commander and three gunners.

The Indonesian navy has sent scores of ships to search the area and has asked for help from Singapore and Australia, which have submarine rescue vessels.