Commemoration Of Zhemchug's Tragic Sinking More Special With Presence Of Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Russian cruiser Zhemchug in the Battle of Penang during World War 1, was more special this year with the presence of the representatives of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet to pay tribute to the fallen sailors.

Russian ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov said the ceremony was held at the Western Road Cemetery here every year, but it was deemed extra special this year because Russian naval ships were able to enter the port of Penang to take part in the ceremony after more than 20 years.

“The cruiser sank 110 years ago and it was part of the ally unit of other ships from Britain, France and other places that were carrying out their duties to protect international trade lines, which claimed the lives of 88 Russian sailors and saw more than 112 sailors wounded.

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“More sailors would have died but Penang fishermen at the time did some rescue operations and saved a lot of lives by bringing the wounded to the hospital. We thank them very much and this ceremony not only commemorates our fallen sailors but also the strong ties between our two countries,” he told reporters here today.

The Battle of Penang broke out late at night on Oct 28, 1914, when the high-speed German cruiser SMS Emden found itself a very short distance from the Zhemchug and launched one torpedo after another, sinking the Russian cruiser.

Within a few minutes, Zhemchug vanished underwater. The remains of the perished crewmen were mostly buried at the Western Road Cemetery here, with some interred in Pulau Jerejak.

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Going forward, Latypov hopes that Russia and Malaysia will continue to have strong ties, especially following Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's meeting on the sidelines of the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) last month.

“They had a very productive talk on elevating bilateral relations in the areas of economy, high education and cultural exchange,” he added.

Meanwhile, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Deputy Commander of Naval Region 3, Captain Yusman Darmawan said the ceremony was not just about remembering a moment of loss, but about honouring the bravery, sacrifice and enduring spirit of the 88 Russian sailors who gave their lives in the service of their nation.

He noted that the presence of four warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet is a testament to the friendship and mutual respect that has grown over the years between the Malaysian and Russian navies.

“These ties are built on a shared commitment to preserving peace, upholding maritime security, and, most importantly, honouring the sacrifices of those who have come before us,” he added.

The Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet consisting of the corvettes Gromkiy, Rezkiy, Aldar Tsydenzhapov, and the support vessel Pecheng docked at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) yesterday.

-- BERNAMA