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KRI Nanggala tragedy: Malaysia needs state-of-the-art assets as preparation

KRI Nanggala tragedy: Malaysia needs state-of-the-art assets as preparation

Tuesday, 27/04/2021

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The world was recently hit with news of missing submarine, KRI Nanggala 402, owned by Indonesia’s
defence agency.
During a press conference, Hadi Tjahjanto confirmed the death of all KRI Nanggala 402’s 53 crew
members at a depth of 800 metres after the spotting of several pieces of the submarine, including its
outer parts and floating diving equipment.
The discovery was made following a visual scanning of the ocean floor with camera by Singaporean
rescue submarine MV Swift Rescue. The submarine launched its remotely operated underwater
vehicle (ROV) and was able to locate KRI Nanggala at a depth of 835 metres.
KRI Nanggala 402 was reported lost at Bali Strait since 21 April. The 1395-ton submarine carrying 53
crew members was said to have lost connection while conducting torpedo launching drill. The 44-
year-old submarine was built by a German shipping company Howaldtswerkw-Deutsche Werft in
1977 and handed over to Indonesian navy in 1981.
Large-scale search and rescue (SAR) operation was conducted by Indonesian government, using
military assets especially ships with underwater sonar devices. In addition, it requested help from
neighbouring countries with rescue submarines, such as Singapore, India, Australia, and Malaysia.
Royal Malaysian Navy deployed its rescue submarine MV Mega Bakti, based in Teluk Sepanggar,
Sabah, to help locate KRI Nanggala 402. Built by Keppel Singmarie subsidiary Marine Technology
Development and in operation since 2013, MV Mega Bakti is reserved for SAR mission in cases of
emergency.
The SAR mission, led by Commander Mohd Hairul Fahmy and assisted by 54 crew members, showed
Malaysia’s commitment in helping international communities in need. The swift deployment proved
Royal Malaysian Navy’s capability and readiness for such situations.
In general, Malaysia owns battle and surveillance ships to protect its large waters. However, the KRI
Nanggala 402 SAR operation exposed existing asset’s glaring weakness. MV Mega Bakti is equipped
with needed functions in SAR and Submarine Escape and Rescue-Intervention operations, but its
ROV’s maximum depth is only 400 metres, which makes it unsuitable for deep-sea rescue
operations.
Therefore, Malaysian government needs to reexamine the capabilities of current Royal Malaysian
Navy’s assets. KRI Nanggala 402 incident proved that the assets need to be continuously enhanced
to become the soul of the country’s defence. Enhanced naval assets will lead to enhanced Malaysia’s
reputation in SAR operations.
 
Original Malay version by:
Dr Izyan Munirah Mohd Zaideen
Faculty of Maritime Studies
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
 
English translation by:
Corporate Communication Office
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu