The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) recently executed a rescue operation to save a man who had fallen into a canal at Telok Kurau.
This incident, which unfolded on Sunday, September 17, showcased the quick thinking and selflessness of both observant passers-by and the dedicated SCDF officers.
The Desperate Plunge
The drama began when vigilant members of the public noticed a man in distress, attempting to claw his way up the steep, algae-covered sides of the canal. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, they swiftly alerted the SCDF.
A Heroic Collaboration
Sam Young, a member of the “Love Cycling SG” Facebook group, captured gripping images of the rescue operation as it unfolded.
SCDF officers, perched precariously on the canal’s inclined sides, worked meticulously to hoist the stranded man from the murky waters.
In the photographs, the evidence of a rescue attempt by Good Samaritans was also evident. A makeshift ladder, securely fastened with a nylon rope to the canal’s railings, bore witness to the collective effort to save a life.
Saw the man struggling
Young’s involvement in the rescue mission began when he was cycling along the Telok Kurau park connector that fateful morning. His attention was drawn to a middle-aged man struggling hopelessly in the canal, unable to ascend its slippery sides due to the thick layer of algae.
Although Young was unaware of how the man had ended up in such a predicament or the duration of his ordeal, his instinct to help was unwavering.
He borrowed a ladder from a nearby residence and, with the assistance of a compassionate passer-by, secured it to the canal railing using a sturdy nylon rope.
However, Young’s altruistic intentions were met with a stern warning from another passer-by, who rightfully pointed out the dangers of his proposed rescue mission. Simultaneously, someone had already reached out to the SCDF for professional assistance.
The Race Against Rising Waters
Young, the photographer and a witness to this heart-pounding incident, highlighted the increasing peril faced by the trapped man. He mentioned in his post that “the water level in the canal was getting higher,” underscoring the critical timing of the rescue operation.
In a display of gratitude and admiration, Young extended his heartfelt thanks to the SCDF for their unwavering commitment and rescue of the stricken man.
SCDF’s Swift Response
The SCDF said that on September 17, at approximately 10:10 a.m., they received a distress call near Lorong L Telok Kurau. Arriving swiftly on the scene, SCDF personnel discovered a man trapped in a drain.
They then deployed a ladder to extract the stranded individual from the perilous situation. Following the rescue, medical personnel assessed the man’s condition, but he declined further medical attention.
Images source: Sam Young on Facebook