In a tragic incident earlier today, a 21-year-old man was found drowned at Bedok Reservoir, near the PAssion Wave area, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
The discovery was made by authorities responding to a distress call reporting a suspected drowning at approximately 9:05 AM. The victim’s body was subsequently located and retrieved from the water. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Observations by reporters at the reservoir revealed several items left near the water’s edge, including a black backpack, a yellow plush doll, three empty bottles, and a pack of snacks on the nearby steps. Additionally, a black bicycle was found overturned on the grassy area by the reservoir.
The police, in their initial statement, ruled out foul play in the incident. The victim’s body displayed no signs of external injuries suggesting homicide. However, an ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
The authorities are yet to release the identity of the deceased, and further details surrounding the incident are expected to be disclosed as the investigation progresses. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety, especially in recreational areas like Bedok Reservoir.
Other recent drownings
The body of a kayaker who went missing on 22 October has been discovered in the waters off Sentosa, she was identified by the police as a 33-year-old woman, according to The Straits Times.
According to Channel NewsAsia, the deceased is 33-year-old Chew Jia Tian, the founder of a local handcrafted soap business.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) played a crucial role in the search and retrieval of the victim’s body, which was found at 3 pm on yesterday afternoon.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, they do not suspect foul play. However, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.
The deceased was part of a trio of kayakers who were kayaking from Sentosa towards the Southern Islands, and they were supervised by the founder of Kayakasia, 48-year-old Sim Cher Huey, who was also actively involved in the search efforts for the missing kayaker.
In a twist of fate, a fourth sea kayaker happened to encounter the group on the waters and decided to join them on their expedition.
Tragedy struck when two kayakers, a man, and the deceased, capsized between 9.30 am and 10 am, near the floating barriers.
The New Paper reported that the incident occurred in the “Bulan Channel”, a particularly challenging location, where strong currents meet stationary barriers, according to Sim.
The deceased had tried to help the capsized man but got into trouble herself, as both of them were swept under by the currents.
Sim told ST that he first met the deceased about 5 years ago through kayaking, and searching for her was the least he could do.
The man was then rescued by a boat that was passing by at the time.
The founder of Ninja Kayakers Foilers, Clarence Chua, said that the Bulan Channel was a notoriously difficult stretch of water to navigate, and that it is nicknamed the “washing machine” because the water churns people around in all directions.
He added that it is hard even for experts, and he also got into trouble there, and warned that it was not a place for beginner kayakers.