The body of a 13-year-old boy who had earlier been reported missing was recovered from the Kallang River late on Thursday night, bringing a tragic end to an extensive search operation that lasted more than a day.
Police confirmed that they received a call for assistance at around 10.35pm regarding a body spotted floating in the river. The discovery was made close to the area where the teenager had first been reported missing approximately 30 hours earlier. Officers and emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The boy was pronounced dead at the scene by personnel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force. Based on preliminary investigations, the police stated that foul play is not suspected. Investigations remain ongoing.
Search Operation Spanned More Than 12 Hours
The teenager had been reported missing on Feb. 25 after he allegedly fell into the river. Authorities were alerted to the incident at about 4.30pm that day, triggering a coordinated search effort involving both the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
Rescue teams conducted an extensive search operation, combing the waters for hours. On Feb. 26 evening, the operation was called off for the second time at around 7pm after more than 12 hours of searching failed to locate the boy.
According to his mother, the teenager was not a strong swimmer. She later identified him as Daniel. He was a student at Northlight School and had two brothers.
Community Mourns Tragic Loss
The incident has cast a sombre mood over the community, particularly among residents familiar with the Kallang area. The Kallang River, while popular with joggers and park-goers, can present strong currents and slippery embankments, especially after rainfall.
While authorities have indicated that no criminal element is suspected, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by open waterways. Parents and guardians are encouraged to educate children about water safety, particularly if they are not confident swimmers.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the grieving family during this difficult time. The tragedy underscores the importance of vigilance near Singapore’s rivers and reservoirs, where even a momentary lapse can have devastating consequences.