RMN ship KD Pendekar stranded in Southeast Johor due to leak

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) warship KD Pendekar was reported to be stranded on the southeast coast of Johor today after experiencing a leak.

According to Berita Harian, the fast attack craft (FAC) was said to have developed a leak in the waters of Tanjung Penyusup, near Pengerang, while on a mission.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the incident when contacted.

“Yes, RMN will issue a statement regarding KD Pendekar,” he said when contacted by New Straits Times.

It is understood that, following the incident, all crew members were evacuated as a safety measure, and KD Pendekar is now secured alongside a nearby commercial vessel.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Johor has also deployed assets to assist with the operation.

KD Pendekar, which measures 43.62 meters in length and 7.1 meters in width, was built by Karlskrona Varvet Shipyard in Sweden and was launched on November 11, 1978, before being commissioned on July 27, 1979.

Initially, it was placed in the Second Fast Attack Missile Squadron before being integrated into the First Fast Attack Missile Squadron under the Patrol Flotilla.

KD Pendekar Stranded After Leak at Tanjung Penyusup, Johor

Meanwhile, RMN stated that it will establish a special investigation board as soon as possible to determine the cause of the leak on KD Pendekar.

RMN said that the primary focus now is to conduct salvage operations to rescue the ship.

“RMN extends its sincere thanks to the agencies involved for their swift action in providing assistance with this incident, namely the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the maritime community in the vicinity.

“The public is advised not to speculate on this incident,” RMN said in a statement today.

It is understood that there were 39 crew members on board at the time of the incident, and the ship became partially submerged due to the leak.

Commenting on the incident, RMN stated that KD Pendekar experienced a significant leak and flooding while approximately two nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Penyusup in Johor.

“The incident occurred around noon while the ship was carrying out its mission. The leak is believed to have resulted from the ship striking an underwater object.

“The leak, which was first detected in the engine room, spread rapidly and became uncontrollable. All crew members were successfully rescued after efforts to control the leak and stabilize the ship were unsuccessful,” the statement said.