28-year-old man found dead after suspected drowning during water activities
A quiet Sunday at East Coast Park turned tragic after a young man was found dead along the shoreline, prompting a large-scale rescue response and renewed concerns over water safety at public beaches.
Discovery Along the Shoreline
The incident unfolded on Sunday, Dec 21, when a 15-year-old schoolgirl noticed what appeared to be black shorts floating near the East Coast Park shoreline while taking photos of her friend and the sunset. Upon closer inspection, she realized the clothing was worn by an unresponsive person. She immediately cried for help and alerted nearby members of the public, who then contacted the authorities.
Emergency Response Mobilized
The Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed it received a call for water rescue assistance at around 12pm. Firefighters conducted a visual search from the shore, while divers from the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team carried out underwater searches in the area where the man was last seen. Marine firefighters also deployed a rescue vessel to patrol nearby waters, according to SCDF statements to AsiaOne and Mothership.
Body Recovered After Hours-Long Search
Despite extensive efforts, the man was found unresponsive and later retrieved from the water at about 6:40pm. SCDF paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Videos shared on social media showed multiple emergency vehicles, including a DART unit, ambulance, and police fast response cars, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Eyewitness Accounts at the Scene
Members of the public were already at the beach when reporters arrived. The deceased was seen lying face down along the shoreline, topless and wearing black shorts. A beachgoer identified as Christina told Shin Min Daily News that she heard cries for help around noon from a group of about eight young men, believed to be on holiday and engaging in water sports. One of them was reportedly swept away by strong waves.
Police Findings and Investigation
The Singapore Police Force said it was alerted to a case of suspected drowning at around 11:55am. Following preliminary investigations, authorities believe the 28-year-old man drowned earlier in the day. Police confirmed that no foul play is suspected, and investigations remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
Safety Concerns at Popular Beaches
East Coast Park remains one of Singapore’s most frequented recreational areas, attracting locals and tourists for sports and leisure. Incidents such as this highlight the unpredictable risks posed by sea conditions, even during routine activities, and the importance of water safety awareness.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with open-water activities. For both Singaporeans and Indonesians who frequently travel and gather at coastal areas across the region, the incident reinforces the need for vigilance, adherence to safety advisories, and prompt emergency response coordination to prevent future loss of life.
Sources: Mothership (2025) , Asia One (2025)
Keywords: East Coast Park, Suspected Drowning, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Police Force, Beach Safety
