Australia’s Foreign Minister is offering to help Indonesia in a search for 53 people on a submarine missing off the coast of Bali.

The vessel hasn’t been heard from since yesterday morning with Indonesian defence officials already reaching out to their Australian counterparts for assistance.

Marise Payne told Ben Fordham the Australian government is willing to help the search efforts.

“This is very distressing.

“We will help our neighbours in any way we can.”

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Former submariner Senator Rex Patrick told Ben Fordham the assumption is the submarine has sunk.

“In these circumstances, professionalism plays a big part but so too does luck, so let’s just hope the circumstances are such that there is a chance for these guys.”

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Image: Getty/Anadolu Agency