SINGAPORE - The Republic of Singapore Navy sent a fourth vessel off on Tuesday evening to the Java Sea, where debris and bodies of passengers on board the ill-fated AirAsia flight QZ8501 have been found.
The MV Swift Rescue, a submarine support and rescue vessel, is expected to reach the disaster site at about 8pm on Wednesday. A frigate, missile corvette and a Landing Ship Tank have already been deployed.
The Straits Times understands that the Indonesian authorities have localised the crash site, and all countries involved in the search will be heading there to render assistance. Previously, the search area was separated into several zones.
Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Chow Kim Chong, who commands the MV Swift Rescue, said that while it is a grave operation, his crew is "glad that we can lend our hand to Indonesia in the search-and-locate operations".