Man found dead in Pasir Ris Park canal

A 29-year-old man was found dead in Sungei Api Api canal in a suspected case of drowning.
Channel NewsAsia 30 Aug 15;

SINGAPORE: The body of a 29-year-old man was found in a canal at Pasir Ris Park on Sunday (Aug 30) in a suspected drowning incident, said the police.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a report of a case of drowning at about 3.20pm at Sungei Api Api, located along Car Park D.

Rescuers conducted a surface search, while two divers combed waters in the canal, SCDF said. Rescuers also sent an amphibious vehicle to search the open waters. The man was later found motionless in Sungei Api Api, said police. SCDF added that he was found at about 5.50pm and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said they are investigating the unnatural death.

- CNA/xq

Body of man recovered from waters near Pasir Ris Park
Today Online 30 Aug 15;

SINGAPORE — The body of a man was recovered from a river at Pasir Ris Park today (Aug 30), after he reportedly drowned while in the waters near the park.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call reporting a case of drowning at about 3.20pm at Sungei Api Api along Car Park D of the park. SCDF personnel arrived on the scene within seven minutes, and rescuers conducted a surface search, while two divers combed waters in the canal.

Rescuers also deployed an amphibious vehicle to search the open water near the shoreline. The body of the man was found in Sungei Api Api — a river that leads out to the sea — at 5.50pm.

As the search progressed — the whole operation took about two and a half hours — it drew a crowd of curious onlookers. Individuals believed to know the missing man were seen looking distraught, and angered by bystanders taking photos.

The man, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene. The police said it is investigating the unnatural death. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY SIAU MING EN

Man drowns in canal near Pasir Ris Park
Zhaki Abdullah Straits Times AsiaOne 1 Sep 15;

Chef, 29, on a fishing trip, was reportedly in the water trying to untangle a fishing line

A 29-year-old man drowned yesterday afternoon at Sungei Api Api canal near Pasir Ris Park.

Relatives later identified the victim as Mr Syed Shafiq Syed Peer, 29, a chef. He was believed to have gone into the river to untangle a fishing line that had gotten caught.

Mr Mohammad Lutfi Ghazali, 29, a mover, said the victim seemed to be sure of himself as he climbed down into the water at around 3pm.

But later on, he appeared to be having problems. "He was showing signs of struggle but he didn't shout," said Mr Mohammad Lutfi, who had been at the park for a picnic with his wife.

It was high tide and there was a strong river current, which prevented bystanders from trying to rescue the victim, he said.

Nearby kayakers who had tried to save him were also turned away by the strong current.

Ms Joanna Tan, 29, a headhunter for the oil and gas industry, said she did not realise at first that the victim was drowning, as he did not shout or appear to be signalling for help. She said the victim's sister and maid, who were on the bridge, also did not seem to notice initially that he was in trouble. "He was right in front of them," said Ms Tan.

Eyewitnesses The Straits Times spoke to said they were not sure how deep the water was when Mr Syed Shafiq went into the canal.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and police were informed of the incident at 3.17pm.

The SCDF arrived at the scene at around 3.30pm and deployed amphibious vehicles and Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team divers to try to save the victim.

But his body was later recovered by the divers at 5.50pm and taken to a part of nearby Pasir Ris beach where a blue tent was set up.

By this time, a crowd of more than 100 people had gathered, with some taking photos and videos.

The victim's relatives, who had arrived at the scene, became upset with the bystanders who were taking videos, shouting at them to respect the dead and delete the videos.

Relatives said Mr Syed Shafiq had gone fishing in the park with his father, older sister and maid, who all lived together in Bedok North. His mother and eldest sister are both deceased. The youngest in his family, Mr Syed Shafiq did not go fishing very often, but was a good swimmer, relatives added.

Police, who have classified the case as an unnatural death, are investigating.

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