This is the bizarre moment soldiers retrieved a rusty tank found in the sea in Indonesia.

Fishermen and oil drill workers called the military after spotting the battle vehicle floating in the Natuna Sea in the Riau Islands on December 16.

The machine, believed to be made of iron, had turned golden brown due to rust. It was towed by the Indonesian Navy to the nearest guard post for inspection on December 28.

Navy Information Service head Admiral Julius Widjojono said the incident is still being investigated.

Marine Major Saul Jamlaay, information head for the Main Naval Base IV Tanjungpinang, said: "The object belonged to the oil and gas company Star Energy. At first, the military could not approach the object because of the extreme weather. Yes, it is true that there were findings of objects similar to tanks, but they were not dangerous."

This is the bizarre moment soldiers retrieved a rusty tank found in the sea in Indonesia.

Fishermen and oil drill workers called the military after spotting the battle vehicle floating in the Natuna Sea in the Riau Islands province on December 16.

The machine, believed to be made of iron, had turned golden brown due to rust. It was towed by the Indonesian Navy to the nearest guard post for inspection on December 28.

Navy Information Service head Admiral Julius Widjojono said the object and how it was swept off to the sea was still being investigated.

Marine Major Saul Jamlaay, information head for the Main Naval Base IV Tanjungpinang, said: ‘The object belonged to the oil and gas company Star Energy. At first, the military could not approach the object because of the extreme weather.

‘Yes, it is true that there were findings of objects similar to tanks, but they were not dangerous.’