Submarine Gas Leak on Multi National Exercise

The Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Farncomb is returning to Singapore after partial failure of its cooling system during the Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA) Exercise Bersama Lima 2011 (BL11).

The submarine crew followed standard emergency operating procedures to clear the refrigerant gas, Freon which had leaked as a result of the failure. No one was injured.

Farncomb will undertake repairs in Singapore over the coming days.

BL11 involves a total of 18 warships, one submarine and 65 military aircraft, as well as various support elements.

BL11 is being conducted by the FPDA member countries in various locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and in the South China Sea from 17 October to 4 November 2011.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of a successful FPDA illustrating the long-term commitment of the founding members to Defence cooperation and regional stability.

Media contact: Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999