KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian naval ship that sank off the coast of Johor in August was the result of a navigational error and the ship’s advanced age, the navy said.

Investigations found that the KD Pendekar – a type of fast attack craft – deviated from its planned route and collided with Stork Reef, the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) said in a report released on Monday (Oct 28).

The inquiry – which was ordered to determine the cause of the August 25 incident – also found that the weakness of the 45-year-old ship’s hull structure affected flood control measures and led to the rapid spread of water to other compartments.

The KD Pendekar sank in the waters off Tanjung Penyusop – located in Johor’s Kota Tinggi district – after encountering major leaks which were said to be the result of hitting an underwater object.

All 39 crew members were rescued and suffered no injuries but a demining diver performing subsequent rescue work in the shipwreck he died on August 28.

Investigations found that strong currents and limited visibility contributed to the death of the diver – Chief Seaman I Arman San Hermansa.

“Conditions in the operating area where erratic currents caused mud to blow up on the seabed (resulting in very limited visibility to approximately 1 foot (30 cm) on the day of the incident),” TLDM said in its statement.

Acknowledging that the situation placed the divers in high-risk situations and challenging work pressures, the report said the rope used by the diver was found to have “entangled with the vessel” and the victim’s emergency procedures failed, causing him to drown .

According to TLDM, Mr. Arman was a competent diver and investigations show that standard diving operating procedures and safety precautions were followed before the diving operation began. It was also confirmed that the equipment he used was in good working order.

“The Navy takes the findings of the two incidents seriously and prioritizes the safety and training of personnel to perform their duties well while adhering to established guidelines,” TLDM said.

Salvage efforts were completed by a local firm on October 15, and the vessel is currently undergoing a technical inspection.

The KD Pendekar – which was built in Sweden – was commissioned in July 1979, according to local media.

Measuring 43.6m in length, it is armed with a 57mm Bofors main gun, a 40mm secondary gun and Exocet anti-ship missiles.