MFA Spokesman's Comments in response to media queries on the missing Singaporean diver in the waters of Gili Lawa Laut near Komodo Islands, Indonesia

The MFA Spokesman said:

                 “MFA and the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta have been in close contact with the local authorities, including Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), since the Singaporean diver was first reported missing in the vicinity of Gili Lawa Laut, East Nusa Tenggara on 13 July 2017. 

                 The search and rescue (SAR) operations conducted by BASARNAS, which began on 13 July, is still ongoing. In the course of the operations, we had requested that more resources be committed to the operations.  The Indonesian authorities have subsequently deployed additional assets including a SAR vessel, a police speed boat, and a navy vessel to augment the SAR operations. BASARNAS has also indicated that it will continue to try and obtain additional suitable assets for the operations. 

                 MFA will continue to render consular assistance to the next-of-kin of the missing Singaporean and support the ongoing SAR operations, including to deploy another consular officer to the location.”

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

17 JULY 2017