Royal Malaysian Navy: KD Pendekar sinks due to navigational error and ageing hull

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: On 25 August 2024, the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) vessel KD Pendekar sank near Tanjung Penyusop, Johor, following a navigational mishap and complications related to the ship’s age.

The Navy Headquarters on Monday (28 October) released an investigation report, which reveals that KD Pendekar strayed from its planned course and collided with Punggai Reef, also known as Stork Reef, leading to severe damage that ultimately caused the vessel to sink.

The KD Pendekar, an ageing vessel constructed in 1978 by Sweden’s Karlskrona Varvet Shipyard, has exceeded TLDM’s Kasting Policy threshold of 45 years.

Aged hull compromises flood control, accelerating vessel’s sinking

According to TLDM’s statement, the hull’s deteriorated state significantly hindered flood containment measures, which hastened the spread of flooding to additional compartments following the collision.

The investigation highlighted these structural vulnerabilities as a crucial factor in the vessel’s rapid flooding and sinking.

While the 39 crew members aboard KD Pendekar were successfully evacuated to the merchant vessel MV ASHLEY, no injuries were reported during the incident.

After the sinking, efforts were initiated to salvage the vessel, culminating in its successful refloating on 12 October by a local salvage company.

KD Pendekar was subsequently towed to the Tanjung Belungkor naval shipyard, where initial repairs and technical inspections are underway.

Tragic loss during salvage operation: TLDM diver dies in underwater mission

However, a tragic event occurred during the salvage operation.

TLDM confirmed the death of Laskar Class I PLM Diver Arman San Hermansa, who perished during a diving assignment on 15 October.

The investigation reports challenging underwater conditions during the operation, with erratic currents and disturbed sand causing severely reduced visibility—approximately one foot.

These adverse conditions created high risks for divers and made navigation perilous.

The report further clarified that Hermansa’s safety line became entangled in the vessel, thwarting his attempts to perform an emergency procedure, leading to his drowning.

Navy officials noted that standard diving protocols and safety procedures were followed, and Hermansa’s diving equipment was thoroughly checked and confirmed to be in proper working condition.

Hermansa was an experienced and certified diver, adding to the tragedy of the incident.

In response to the incidents, TLDM has emphasised a renewed focus on fleet safety and personnel preparedness.

171 military assets in Malaysia over 30 years old, reveals Defence Minister

The Navy’s statement underscored the importance of maintaining operational safety standards, particularly for ships beyond their intended service period, as outlined in the Kasting Policy.

Commissioned on 27 July 1979, KD Pendekar was armed with Bofors 57mm and 40mm/70 guns, making it versatile for combat against both air and sea targets.

Earlier on 22 October, Defence Minister Khaled Nordin, in a written reply to a Parliamentary question, disclosed that a total of 171 assets within the Malaysian armed forces are over 30 years old, comprising 108 army assets, 29 air force assets, and 34 navy assets.