QZ8501: 13 ships from 3 countries join SAR operations

Eight Indonesian Republic Warships (KRI) have been deployed today in search for the missing AirAsia Indonesia Flight QZ8501.

According to Indonesia news portal Kompas.com, all eight warships of the Indonesian Navy will be working round the clock to find the missing plane.

"Three ships are on the way to the search location. Five more will be sent this evening," said Army Information Office Chief, First Admiral Manahan Kershaw in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta today.

Among the warships include KRI Sutedi Senaputra, KRI Pattimura, KRI Yos Sudarso, KRI Tong, KRI Todak, KRI Pulau Rengat and KRI Hasanudin.

Three aircrafts and two helicopters will also be sent to look for the missing plane.

Manahan said the eight warships will be scouring the area of Belitung and Riau Islands Province.

Neighbouring regions including Malaysia have also offered help in the search and rescue mission.

Meanwhile, the Australian Defence Force said a AP-3C Orion aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was departing from Darwin Monday morning to join the search operation.