Malaysian navy ship sinks near Singapore after suspected underwater collision

The KD Pendekar experienced “severe flooding” due to a leak that was first detected in the engine room at around noon on Sunday, the Royal Malaysian Navy said in a statement.

Despite the crew’s best efforts to control and stabilise the vessel, it was completely submerged by 3.54pm, the navy said.

“Efforts to salvage the ship are still under way,” the navy said, adding that it sank about 2 nautical miles (3.74km) southeast of Tanjung Penyusop.

The navy confirmed that all 39 crew members were rescued before the ship went under, with no reported injuries. The sailors were transferred to the nearby KD Sultan Ismail naval base in Tanjung Pengelih.

A special investigation board has been established to determine the exact cause of the catastrophic leak. Environmental monitoring teams have also been deployed to the site.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the navy urged the public to refrain from speculation, pledging to provide accurate updates from official channels.

The KD Pendekar, a Handalan-class fast attack craft commissioned into the fleet on July 27, 1979, is one of four ships in the class that were built by Sweden’s Kalskrona Varvet shipyard.

Measuring 43.6 metres in length, the vessel was armed with a Bofors 57mm main gun, a 40mm secondary gun, and Exocet anti-ship missiles.

It had been on an operational assignment at the time of the incident.

Malaysia’s navy commended the swift action of the maritime community for the successful rescue of all 39 crew members before the ship was fully submerged.

Its also extended its thanks to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the police for their swift response and support during the incident.