A report released yesterday said a special investigation board set up to determine the cause of the incident found that KD Pendekar deviated from its planned course and collided with Stork Reef on Aug 25.

It said the 45-year-old vessel’s weakened structural integrity complicated flood control and accelerated the spread of water to other compartments.

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

The navy also said the investigation board found that strong currents and limited visibility of about 1ft contributed to the death of a navy diver during the KD Pendekar’s salvage operation on Aug 28.

It said Arman San Hermansa’s safety line became entangled with the ship, and emergency procedures were ineffective to prevent him from drowning.

“The investigations indicated that diving SOPs and safety measures were followed prior to the dive. The diving equipment was functional before and after the operation, and the diver was confirmed to be certified,” it said.

None of the 39 crew members who were rescued when the KD Pendekar capsized suffered any injuries.

The navy previously said a leak was first detected in the ship’s engine room, with water rushing in and spreading uncontrollably throughout the vessel.

The KD Pendekar had been in service since 1979.