Tragedy struck off the serene coast of Punggol on August 6th (Sunday) as authorities launched an investigation into a case of suspected drowning.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) was alerted to the incident at approximately 3:45 pm, near the Punggol Jetty. A 35-year-old man was reported missing, triggering a swift response from various agencies for a search and rescue operation, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), working in conjunction with SPF and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), promptly initiated a search and rescue operation. These dedicated efforts were focused on locating the missing individual and ensuring his safety.
Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of urgency as police and SCDF personnel sprung into action around 4 pm in the vicinity of Punggol Settlement.
An onlooker who spoke to Lianhe Zaobao described the unfolding search and rescue operations. The Northshore Plaza park connector to Punggol Settlement area was cordoned off, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Amidst the flurry of activity, bystanders gathered at the scene, their concern palpable. As the day progressed, the collective efforts of the MPA, SPF, and SCDF continued unabated with the search for the missing man underway.
Similar case
The dead body of a 35-year-old man was found in the waters off of Changi Creek earlier this week on Monday afternoon (31 July) at about 1.36pm, according to The Straits Times.
The authorities were alerted to the suspected drowning at 1.36pm, and the body was subsequently retrieved from the water.
Despite the efforts of the paramedic from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. While investigations are ongoing, the police have ruled out foul play as a preliminary assessment.
At approximately 1.35pm on that fateful day, a witness spotted a body floating in the water at Changi Creek. The authorities swiftly responded to the alert and dispatched a police boat to the scene.
The area was cordoned off, and a blue police tent was set up at the foot of a nearby bridge, where the body was located.
As with any unexplained death, the police conducted preliminary investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s demise.
Despite the eerie nature of the incident, initial assessments have not raised any suspicions of foul play, and police investigations are currently underway.