Iran offers condolences to Indonesia over submarine disaster

Iran’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to Indonesia after all crew members of a missing naval submarine were pronounced dead.

According to Tasnim news agency, in a statement on Monday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sa'eed Khatibzadeh offered condolences to the Indonesian government, nation and families of victims of the sea disaster.

Indonesian officials say debris from the missing submarine was found after the vessel sank as hopes of rescuing 53 sailors on board faded.

The search team on Sunday focused on pinpointing the sub’s exact location. Authorities warned any salvage operation would be risky and difficult in the deep waters.

The submarine – one of five in Indonesia’s fleet – disappeared on Wednesday during live torpedo training exercises off the Indonesian holiday island of Bali.

Officials said the oxygen supply for its 53 crew ran out early on Saturday.

ME