SINGAPORE - A fifth navy ship from Singapore set sail to join search and recovery efforts of AirAsia flight QZ8501 at 4pm on Wednesday.

The RSS Kallang can conduct underwater search operations as it is equipped with underwater sensors and a remotely operated vehicle which can search for aircraft debris.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force is also flying an RSN Autonomous Underwater Vehicle team to RSS Persistence. Along with the RSS Kallang, it will help to cover a large underwater search area as part of the operation.

To date, Singapore has contributed two C-130 aircrafts, two Super Puma helicopters and five navy ships to the effort.