First Malaysian Submarine Launched

(Cherbourg, France) Malaysia's first submarine, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, was launched today in the port of Cherbourg. Named after Malaysia's first prime minister, the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is the first of two Scorpene-class submarines to be delivered to the Royal Malaysian Navy.

In keeping with maritime tradition, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor broke a bottle of water against the submarine's sail to signify the official launching and naming of the vessel.

The Deputy Prime Minister's wife then unveiled a plaque with the submarine's name and called upon "Allah to bless her and all who serve and sail with her".

The reportedly stealthy Scorpene-class submarines are diesel-electric propelled with a crew of 31. The KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is expected to begin service in early 2009.

Frankly, that maritime tradition of breaking a bottle of water is news to me. I thought a bottle of champagne was customarily used.