Singapore – The body of a 13-year-old boy has been retrieved from the waters off Kallang MRT station on the night of Feb 26, more than 24 hours after he was reported missing after falling into the river although fishing.
The police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were alerted at about 10.35pm on Feb 26 about a person floating in the Kallang River. SCDF firefighters and rescuers from the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team retrieved the person, who was pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic.
A man identifying himself as a family member of the boy identified the body just before midnight, confirming to other relatives that it was the missing boy.
Based on preliminary investigations, police do not suspect foul play, and investigations are ongoing.
The boy, identified as Daniel by his mother, had been the subject of an “active search” that ended at about 7pm on Feb 25. The SCDF stated they would continue to monitor the situation and conduct periodic checks in the area.
Three SCDF officers were seen scanning the water surface with torches at about 9:30pm on Feb 26.
The area around the river was active with approximately 60 residents, as well as SCDF and police officers, after a resident reported seeing something floating in the water. Police cordoned off the area.
Search-and-rescue operations were initially halted on Feb 25 due to low visibility and resumed the following morning.
In an interview with The Straits Times on Feb 26, Daniel’s mother, Siti, expressed confusion as to why her son had gone fishing with friends, noting he had no prior experience and was not a strong swimmer.
Daniel has two brothers, aged 11 and 14, and his father is currently incarcerated.
According to a friend of Daniel’s who spoke with AsiaOne, the boy fell into the river while attempting to free a fishing line from a net. While another boy fell into the water during a rescue attempt, he was saved, but Daniel was swept away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time was the boy reported missing?
The police were alerted to a case of suspected drowning at Kallang River at about 4.30pm on Feb 25.
When was the boy’s body recovered?
The body was retrieved from the waters off Kallang MRT station on the night of Feb 26.
Was foul play suspected?
Based on preliminary investigations, the police said they do not suspect foul play.
What factors might contribute to accidental drownings in seemingly calm waterways?
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