Award Banner
Award Banner

2 workers die after falling into sea at Tuas Port

They purportedly fell into the sea while carrying out stevedoring works
2 workers die after falling into sea at Tuas Port
The two workers purportedly fell into the sea while carrying out stevedoring work at Tuas Port on Tuesday (Sept 22).
PHOTO: PSA Singapore

Two workers, aged 33 and 44, have died following an incident at Tuas Port on Tuesday (Sept 22) morning.

Based on messages seen by AsiaOne, the incident happened at about 8.40am.

Responding to AsiaOne's queries, PSA Singapore confirmed that two workers fell into the sea in the course of stevedoring work.

This refers to the process of loading, unloading, stacking, and securing cargo on ships at port terminals.

MOM, police investigating incident

Asked by AsiaOne about the incident, a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokesperson confirmed that the ministry is investigating the matter.

She told AsiaOne that the two workers were lifted in a work platform in the course of their work when it dislodged from the crane and fell into the sea.

A photograph of the platform obtained by AsiaOne shows dents on one of its four columns.

The work platform used to carry the two workers when the incident happened. PHOTO: AsiaOne reader

It is located near where lifting hooks are typically placed, in vicinity of the top corners of the platform.

According to the spokesperson, the 33-year-old worker was immediately rescued from the sea and taken unconscious to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, the 44-year-old worker was subsequently found in the sea and pronounced dead at the scene by a Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedic.

The spokesperson reiterated that lifting equipment and gears must be properly maintained and inspected before use, especially if they are used to lift people. 

PSA said it is working closely with the relevant authorities amid ongoing investigations.

"We are providing support to the families of the workers during this difficult time," the port operator added.

Meanwhile, friends and colleagues of the two workers have posted tributes to them.

In one tribute seen by AsiaOne, the duo's colleagues wrote: "Rest in peace. Two hardworking souls, now together in a better place."

The tribute also said that their "dedication, hard work and spirit" will always be remembered.

A tribute posted in a chatgroup for the two workers who died in the accident at Tuas Port on Tuesday (Sept 22). PHOTO: AsiaOne reader

Police told AsiaOne that they do not suspect any foul play based on preliminary investigations, adding that investigations are still ongoing.

Under Singapore's Coroners Act, cases of unnatural deaths such as accidents, workplace incidents, and falls are investigated.

[[nid:741828]]

editor@asiaone.com 

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.