5th Singapore navy ship joins in search and rescue operation for AirAsia plane

Singapore has sent a fifth navy ship to assist in the search and rescue operation for the AirAsia plane, which disappeared over the Java Sea with 162 people on board on Sunday.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Bedok-class mine countermeasure vessel (MCMV) set sail for the search area at 4pm today, said a statement from the Ministry of Defence. 

So far, the Singapore Armed Forces has contributed two C-130 aircraft, two Super Puma helicopters and five navy ships to

Here is the Mindef statement:

A Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Bedok-class mine countermeasure vessel (MCMV) set sail for the search area at 4pm today.

RSS Kallang joins the other four RSN ships, a Formidable-class frigate (RSS Supreme), a Victory-class missile corvette (RSS Valour), an Endurance-class landing ship tank (RSS Persistence) and MV Swift Rescue for the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation.

Similar to MV Swift Rescue, RSS Kallang also has the capability to conduct underwater search operations. The ship is equipped with underwater sensors and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to search for aircraft debris.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is also flying an RSN Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) team to RSS Persistence. The ROV and AUV will help to cover a larger underwater search area as part of the SAR operation.

To date, the Singapore Armed Forces has contributed two C-130 aircraft, two Super Puma helicopters and five navy ships.

chenj@sph.com.sg