KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will establish a special investigation board to investigate an incident involving one of its fast attack craft, KD Pendekar.
Earlier today, the navy stated the vessel had sprung a leak and experienced significant flooding off the southeast coast of Johor.
KD Pendekar was positioned two nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Penyusop, while on operational duty.
"The leakage is believed to have been caused by the vessel striking an underwater object.
"Initially detected in the ship's engine room, the leakage spread rapidly and uncontrollably," it said.
It added that all 39 crew members were successfully rescued after efforts to control the leakage and stabilise the vessel failed.
The RMN's primary focus now is to conduct salvage operations to save the vessel, it said.
"RMN extends its deepest gratitude to the agencies involved for their swift action in assisting with this incident, including the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the police, and the maritime community in the vicinity.
"The public is advised not to speculate about the incident. Please refer to official RMN sources for the latest updates and accurate information," it said.
Earlier today, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, when contacted, confirmed that KD Pendekar was stranded.