Live feed showing Narwhal sea trial turned off at shipbuilder's request

Taipei, June 26 (CNA) A live feed of an area where Taiwan's first indigenous submarine, the Narwhal, underwent a sea trial on Thursday, was disabled earlier in the week at the request of the shipbuilder, the Kaohsiung Bureau of Cultural Affairs said.

The bureau confirmed that CSBC Corp., Taiwan, which built the submarine, asked it to suspend an online real-time video service at Hongmaogang Cultural Park starting Tuesday afternoon, as the trial involved military-sensitive operations.

Thursday marked the second day of sea trials for the Taiwan-made submarine, also known as Hai Kun, following its first tests on June 17, when the live feed was active and during which the sub's propulsion, rudder, electrical, communications, and navigation systems were tested.

Many military enthusiasts attempted to log on around 8 a.m. Thursday hoping to catch a glimpse of the Narwhal's floating navigation trial, only to be disappointed by the lack of live footage.

The sea tests ended at 2:30 p.m and the live feed was turned back on later on Thursday.

Navy Chief of Staff Chiu Chun-jung (邱俊榮) said Wednesday that the submarine is scheduled to complete its sea trials by Sept. 30.

Before then, Narwhal will undergo three to four additional floating navigation tests and adjustments, followed by trials at gradually increasing depths.