JAKARTA, Jun 3 (NNN-ANTARA) – Indonesia ended its efforts to lift the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine, that sank in Bali waters, a navy officer said.
The Indonesian Navy thanked and extended the highest appreciation to the navies of various countries that have assisted in the search and rescue operations, including the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, which sent three ships.
“We express our highest gratitude to the ships that have tried to lift the submarine from the seabed,” said First Admiral I, Gung Putu Alit Jaya, head of the Marine Security Forces of the Second Fleet Command, in a press release.
Jaya said that, in the KRI Nanggala-402 salvage operation, at a depth of 839 metres, the team had made 20 dives and succeeded in lifting important materials.
The collaboration between the Indonesian Navy and the Chinese PLA Navy in the salvage of KRI Nanggala-402 is clear proof of the strong friendship between the two countries’ seamen brotherhood, said the Indonesian Navy.
The Indonesian Navy expressed gratitude to the efforts to salvage the ill-fated submarine at a meeting here yesterday, which was attended by representatives of the Indonesian Navy and the Chinese PLA Navy.
Defence attache of the Chinese Embassy to Indonesia, Chen Yongjing said that, in the operation the two sides had worked well together to collect photos, video documentation and lifted part of KRI Nanggala-402, and then handed them over to Indonesia.
KRI Nanggala-402 with 53 crew members on board sank in Bali waters during a torpedo firing exercise on Apr 21.– NNN-ANTARA
