29-10-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) has concluded that the sinking of KD Pendekar off Johor’s coast in August was caused by a combination of navigational error and the vessel’s deteriorating condition after 45 years of service.
In a comprehensive report released Monday, naval authorities disclosed that the fast attack craft had deviated from its planned course before striking Stork Reef near Tanjung Penyusop in Kota Tinggi. The collision, combined with the vessel’s aged hull structure, compromised its flood control systems, leading to rapid water ingress across multiple compartments.
While all 39 crew members were safely evacuated from the Swedish-built warship during the August 25 incident, tragedy struck three days later when Leading Seaman I Arman San Hermansa lost his life during salvage operations. The investigation revealed that challenging underwater conditions, including strong currents and severely limited visibility of approximately 30 centimetres, contributed to the diver’s death.
“Despite following standard operating procedures and using properly functioning equipment, the diver became entangled with the vessel’s structure,” the navy stated. “Emergency procedures proved unsuccessful in preventing the fatality.”
The 43.6-metre vessel, commissioned in 1979 and equipped with Bofors guns and Exocet missiles, has since been recovered by a local salvage company on October 15 and is undergoing technical assessment.
“These findings have prompted a thorough review of our operational procedures,” the TLDM announced, emphasising its commitment to personnel safety and operational readiness.
