Police Coast Guard intercepts wooden boat as men attempt unlawful entry for work

Singapore’s maritime borders remain under tight watch as authorities swiftly intercept illegal sea entries that pose security and immigration risks.

Illegal Entry Detected in Singapore Waters
Six Indonesian men aged between 23 and 29 were arrested early Sunday morning on Dec 21 after entering Singapore illegally by sea, according to a statement from the Singapore Police Force. The arrest highlights ongoing attempts by foreign nationals to bypass immigration controls via maritime routes.

Police Coast Guard Intercepts Wooden Craft
At around 12.35am, officers from the Police Coast Guard detected a wooden craft within Singapore Territorial Waters off Tanah Merah. The vessel was promptly intercepted, and all six men on board were arrested for unlawful entry into the country.

Intended to Seek Employment Illegally
Preliminary investigations revealed that the men had intended to enter Singapore illegally to look for employment. Police said the suspects deliberately used the small boat to evade official checkpoints, underscoring the continued challenge of illegal maritime crossings.

Charges and Potential Penalties
The six men are scheduled to be charged in court on Monday. If convicted, each could face up to six months’ imprisonment and a minimum of three strokes of the cane under Singapore law for illegal entry offenses.

Authorities Emphasize Vigilance
Commander of the Police Coast Guard, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Ang Eng Seng, commended his officers for their vigilance and teamwork during the operation. He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to safeguarding Singapore’s coastal borders.

Firm Stance on Border Protection
Ang added that the Police Coast Guard will continue to take firm action against immigration offenders to protect Singapore’s territorial waters from crimes and security threats, stressing that unlawful entry will not be tolerated.

The arrest underscores Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach toward illegal immigration and its continued investment in maritime surveillance. For both Indonesians and Singaporeans, the case serves as a reminder of the serious legal consequences tied to unlawful entry and the importance of regulated cross-border movement.

Sources: Channel News Asia (2025) , Yahoo! News SG (2025)

Keywords: Singapore Police, Illegal Entry, Indonesian Nationals, Maritime Security