SINGAPORE - Singapore Armed Forces's last ship in Indonesia has left the Java Sea for home, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on his Facebook page on Friday.
The MV Swift Rescue is returning after 20 days of search and rescue efforts for Air Asia flight QZ8501, which went missing on Dec 28 and was discovered in the Java Sea.
"With the flight data and cockpit voice recorders recovered and the fuselage located, the BASARNAS (Indonesian search authority) Chief Mr Bambang Soelistyo has informed other countries that Indonesia would have its own resources for subsequent efforts, and thanked us for all our help," Dr Ng said.
He added that this marks a formal end to SAF's involvement in the search for the AirAsia plane and its passengers. Dr Ng thanked and commended all SAF servicemen and women for a job well done. He also offered the condolences of the SAF and fellow Singaporeans to all the victims of the tragic accident.
"The final resting place of the plane has been found. May family members and loved ones of those departed find strength and comfort to recover from your great loss in the days ahead. Our prayers are with you in this time of grief," he said.
