(Infographic courtesy of Philippine Navy)
MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday extended its sympathies to the Indonesian Navy over the loss of its diesel-electric submarine KRI Nanggala (402) and the death of 53 crew members aboard the vessel.
"With deepest sympathies, I share the grief of the Chief of Staff, Admiral Yudo Margono, and the entire Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut) as they recently lost 53 of their gallant sailors aboard the KRI Nanggala (402)," PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in a message posted on Facebook.
Bacordo said the Indonesian Navy's loss is also a loss of the PN, as Indonesia is among the Philippines' strategic partners and a fellow member state in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
"I aim to honor the memories of these sailors through the solidarity and sustained friendship with the Indonesian Navy. Carry on sailors with your eternal patrol!" Bacordo said.
The KRI Nanggala and its crew were preparing to conduct a torpedo firing drill when it went missing in the Bali Strait on April 21.
Reports said its wreckage was found at a depth of 850 meters in the waters off the resort island of Bali by a remotely operated underwater vehicle of the Singapore Navy over the weekend. (PNA)
