Lightning strike left canoeist brain dead

36-year-old insurance manager couldn't have been saved: Coroner
Khushwant Singh Straits Times 24 Dec 11;

THERE was no chance insurance manager Tan Boon Kiat, who died 15 hours after being struck by lightning while canoeing at Pasir Ris Park, could have been saved.

Evidence indicated that the 36-year-old was already brain dead when he was placed on a ventilator at Changi General Hospital (CGH), said State Coroner Victor Yeo in his findings at an inquiry yesterday.

Mr Tan was canoeing at sea with 20 other friends on March 5 when the incident occurred at about 5pm.

Police investigation officer Ma Weiliang said in a report prepared for the inquiry that Mr Tan was not breathing when paramedics arrived at about 6pm, six minutes after they were called.

He was rushed to CGH, where he was put on mechanical ventilation. A brain scan later also showed major cerebral injury resulting from oxygen deprivation.

Mr Tan had been jogging with his friends earlier that day before heading out on the rental canoes at Pasir Ris Park. The group decided to paddle back to shore when it started raining shortly after, but ventured out again when the rain stopped.

He was in the rear of a double-seater canoe while marketing executive Melanie Koo Yoon Mei, 32, was paddling in front.

At about 4.30pm, the weather turned bad and suddenly a bolt of lightning struck near the canoe, leaving Ms Koo momentarily stunned. Turning around, she saw Mr Tan unconscious and lying backwards.

The group quickly returned to shore and applied cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Mr Tan but could not revive him.

Forensic pathologist Wee Keng Poh was quoted in the police investigation report as saying that the lightning strike not only caused extensive burns, but also stopped Mr Tan's heart.

He added that the use of a ventilator would not have improved a patient's chances of recovery unless it was applied within five minutes of his heart stopping.

In an advisory included in the report, the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) said its facilities are equipped with lightning protection systems, and lifeguards ensure swimmers get out of swimming pools if there is any threat of lightning.

The SSC also recommended that outdoor activities be postponed or cancelled, and that people seek shelter immediately if they are caught in the open during bad weather.