By Afifah Adi
Edited by Alissya Nazir
KD Pendekar sank off the coast of Johor on August 25th | Credit: Kay4Kumar / X
JOHOR BARU, 30th August 2024: A diver from the Royal Malaysian Navy (also known as Tentera Laut Darat Malaysia) has been confirmed dead during a salvage operation to recover the wreckage of Kapal Diraja (KD) Pendekar.
25th August, the 50-year-old vessel collided with an unknown underwater object and suffered a major leak. Swift damage control had been carried out by the crews to stabilise the vessel, but despite their best efforts, the situation remained unmanageable due to the high rush of water. This leads to its sinking off Tanjung Penyusop, Kota Tinggi.
Thankfully, the 39 crews aboard were rescued by the maritime community before KD Pendekar was completely flooded with water.
Crews on board of KD Pendekar during its sinking | Credit: Kay4Kumar / X
Following the incident, Leading Seaman I Arman San Hermansa and another diver were deployed to provide a cordon or barrier around the wreck site to control access to the sunken vessel. However, his dive partner realised that the 28-year-old man had gone missing after completing several tasks underwater.
An immediate search was launched and Arman San Hermansa was found dead. The cause of death is believed to have been drowning while he was installing floats.
The Royal Malaysian Navy extended its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and reported that the diver’s remains were currently at Sultan Ismail Hospital, Johor, for a post-mortem examination. His body will then be transported to Lahad Datu, Sabah, for burial.
Arman San Hermansa’s contributions to the nation’s maritime will always be remembered. May his soul be placed among the martyrs, and may his family and loved ones find strength during this difficult time.—TBC
A photo of Arman San Hermansa believed to be taken before conducting the salvage operation | Source: Kosmo!
Comments