RMN to Appoint Private Contractor for KD Pendekar Salvage Operations

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will appoint a private contractor to carry out the salvage operations for the KD Pendekar, which sank in the waters off Tanjung Penyusop, Kota Tinggi, after suffering a leak last Sunday.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the RMN has already begun preliminary work, including identifying and ensuring the equipment on board the vessel remains in good condition.

He further mentioned that aside from ensuring the ship’s condition, the initial work was also aimed at preventing the vessel from being lost.

However, for the task of refloating and salvaging the ship, the RMN will engage a private entity.

“The investigation into the ship is still ongoing and is expected to be completed within a month. As for the cause of death of our minesweeper diver, we have yet to receive a full report,” he said in Kluang.

 

On August 25, the RMN confirmed that the KD Pendekar suffered a leak and flooding while on duty, believed to be due to a collision with an underwater object.

 The issue was first detected in the ship’s engine room before it quickly spread and became uncontrollable. All 39 crew members were rescued after efforts to contain the leak and stabilize the vessel failed.

A RMN mines clearance diver from the Diving and Mine Warfare Headquarters (MSPPA) tragically lost his life during a salvage operation for the KD Pendekar last Wednesday.

The deceased diver was identified as Leading Seaman (LK) I PLM Arman San bin Hermansa.

A Special Investigation Board has been established to determine the cause of the incident.

Last Sunday, the 45-year-old fast attack craft, KD Pendekar, completely sank at its position two nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Penyusop, Johor, at 3:54 PM.

 

According to the RMN, the leak was believed to have occurred when the 45-year-old warship struck an underwater object.

“The leak, which was initially detected in the ship’s engine room, spread rapidly and became uncontrollable. All crew members were successfully rescued after attempts to control the leak and stabilize the vessel failed,” according to the RMN’s statement.

The RMN will establish a Special Investigation Board immediately to identify the cause of the incident and simultaneously expressed its deep gratitude to the agencies involved for their swift response in providing assistance during the incident.

The KD Pendekar, bearing the pennant number 3513, was commissioned into RMN service on August 21, 1979, making the fast attack craft 45 years old this year. — DSA