GEORGE TOWN: Social media was abuzz after an Australian submarine was spotted by those taking the ferry morning today.

The sudden surfacing of the vessel about 11.30am triggered a furious bout of picture-taking from those onboard the ferry with pictures soon being widely circulated.

A Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) spokesman said the HMAS Sheean was in Penang from India as the 60-member crew was scheduled for rest and recreation (R&R).

he spokesman said the submarine will be docked at the Butterworth Wharves Cargo Terminal before leaving for the RMN Kota Kinabalu base on Friday.

“A joint exercises with RMN submarines will be held on Oct 12 and 13,” the spokesman said when contacted.

According to the Australian Navy website, the vessel is led by Commander Jason Cupples and commissioned on Feb 23, 2001.

The 77.8m long vessel has a top speed of 20knots and is armed with both missile and torpedo weapon systems.

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