The Indonesian submarine sailor could suffocate before running out of oxygen

Indonesian officials said that the crew of the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine had just enough oxygen until early the morning of April 24. But according to a naval expert, the 53 sailors on board also face another ‘hidden killer’: carbon dioxide (CO2).

Submarine KRI Nanggala-402. Choking because of CO2 CNA quoted Mr. Clark – a naval expert – who used to be a submarine sailor – as CO2 accumulating in the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine can suffocate the crew even if they have not exhausted oxygen. “CO2 needs to be filtered out of the atmosphere with a chemical. But this chemical will soon run out. Oxygen can be produced by chemical candles. But CO2 will suffocate the crew before running out of oxygen. ” The power outage also affects the crew’s lifetime, Clark said. Electricity is needed to operate the CO2 absorber and the fan transfers air through the oxygen candle. The Indonesian lifeboat joins the search for the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine. Photo: AP Why the submarine lost power? Underwater submarines often depend on battery power, Clark said. And a breakdown in the battery compartment such as fire, explosion, flooding, etc. can cause a power failure. Meanwhile, Mr. Ben Ho – naval analyst said that a torpedo explosion could also cause the submarine to lose power. “Historically, major submarine accidents have often occurred due to technical problems or weapon explosions. Indonesian submarines went missing while torpedo shooting exercises. Maybe a torpedo exploded, ”said Mr. Ben Ho. Oil spills at the location where the submarine went down on the morning of April 21. Photo: AP Submarine locator If the submarine is intact, it can be “relatively easy” to be located using sensors, Clark said. Magnetic sensors, similar to mine detection systems, can detect the steel hull of a submarine. Sound sensors can show the sound from submarines. “But the area they need to look for is relatively large. The sensors can only be effective in a small area. Searching can take a long time. ” Mr. Ben Ho, meanwhile, said that even modern sonar equipment can hardly detect the wreck of a submarine if the seabed is rough. “The submarine’s nature is inherently difficult to detect. Submarine fleets are often referred to as silent soldiers, ”said Ho. If the submarine is truly trapped at a depth of 600 meters or less, the crew has a “near zero chance of survival,” said Ho. “The grim reality is that once the submarine exceeds its maximum depth, it will explode due to the enormous water pressure.” If this happens, the explosion will be picked up by a sensor in a nearby area, he added. Rescue process Once the submarine is found, Singapore’s MV Swift Rescue can begin its mission. MV Swift Rescue is the first ship in Southeast Asia capable of rescuing submarines. Singapore’s MV Swift Rescue train. Photo: Facebook The ship can operate at sea for four weeks before needing refueling. On board is a rescue cabin named Deep Search and Rescue Six (DSAR 6). Cabin is used to evacuate crew from submarines. However, Mr. Clark warned that the biggest challenge is the lying direction of the submarine in distress. “For example, if the submarine is on its side, the DSAR 6 will be difficult to reach.” Cabin DSAR 6. Photo: Facebook According to the naval news site Naval Technology DSAR 6 is 9.6m long and can reach a depth of 500m. It is operated by two crew members and can accommodate up to 17 people. When the DSAR 6 floats to the surface and is recovered by MV Swift Rescue, the submarine crew will be transferred to a recovery chamber for treatment. The cabin can accommodate up to 40 people. Singapore and Indonesia signed a cooperation agreement to assist with submarine rescue in 2012. The agreement allows the two countries to send resources and help each other if their submarines crash. The KRI Nanggala-402 submarine went missing on the morning of April 21 while participating in a torpedo drill near Bali. On board there are 53 people, including 49 sailors, a commander and three weapons specialists. The 1,395-ton KRI Nanggala-402 was built in Germany in 1977, and joined the Indonesian fleet in 1981. About 40 countries in the world have submarines, but only a few countries have the ability to rescue submarines.