Channel NewsAsia 27 Nov 16;
SINGAPORE: National water agency PUB confirmed on Sunday (Nov 27) that water sport activities in Marina Reservoir have been suspended after reported sightings of a creature resembling a crocodile in waters near the Sports Hub on Saturday morning.
The Singapore Dragon Boat Association, Sports Hub and People's Association have all suspended activities in Marina Reservoir this weekend, a PUB spokesperson said on Sunday.
PUB also contacted researchers from the National University of Singapore to identify the creature.
"Preliminary findings indicate that it is likely to be a monitor lizard," the spokesperson added.
The Marina Reservoir area is popular for activities like dragon boating and canoeing.
The Singapore Dragon Boat Association posted on Facebook on Sunday that it will cease all dragon boat activities in Marina Reservoir indefinitely.
The Kallang Water Sports Centre and the Kallang Dragon Boat Nursery will be closed with immediate effect, the association said.
PUB warned those who continue with activities in the reservoir to exercise caution and not immerse in the waters. They should also not go near the creature if they spot it.
- CNA/am
Water sports activities in Marina Reservoir suspended after ‘crocodile’ sighting
Today Online 27 Nov 16;
SINGAPORE — Water sports activities in Marina Reservoir have been suspended after a “creature resembling a crocodile” was sighted near the Sports Hub.
National water agency PUB said it first received reports of the creature’s sighting on Saturday morning (Nov 26). The agency added that it is now investigating and patrolling the waters to search for the creature.
“We are in close contact with Sportshub and requested them to alert us if it is spotted again,” said a spokesperson in a statement on Sunday.
“We have also contacted researchers from the National University of Singapore to identify the creature. Preliminary findings indicate that it is likely to be a monitor lizard.”
Among the groups that have suspended activities include the Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA). In a Facebook post, the SDBA said it would be extending the cease order on all dragon boat activities in Marina Reservoir “indefinitely and until further notice”.
Other organisations that have suspended activities this weekend include the Sports Hub and People’s Association.
The PUB warned members of the public not to go near the creature if they spot it. The public can report sightings with photos/videos and its location by calling PUB at 1800-2255-782.
The PUB added that people to continue activities in the area “should exercise caution and not to immerse in the waters”.
Water sport activities at Marina Reservoir to resume; no new ‘crocodile’ sighting
Today Online 29 Nov 16;
SINGAPORE — Water sport activities can resume at the Marina Reservoir as there have been no new sightings of the “creature resembling a crocodile”, the PUB said on Tuesday (Nov 29).
Following reports of a ‘crocodile’ sighting on Saturday, the PUB contacted researchers from the National University of Singapore to identify the creature. The agency also checked with experts from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore, ACRES and the Singapore Zoo, and all share the view that the creature is most likely a monitor lizard.
Nevertheless, the PUB said it will continue to patrol the waters to look out for the creature.
Water sports activities in the vicinity had been suspended for the last three days as the PUB patrolled the waters to search for the creature. The PUB had also warned members of the public to “exercise caution” in the area and not to go near the creature.
Among the groups that were affected included the Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA), the Sports Hub and People’s Association.
The public can also report sightings with photos/videos and its location by calling PUB at 1800-2255-782.
