Two workers have died after a work platform carrying them fell into the sea at Tuas Port while they were carrying out stevedoring work.
The incident happened at about 8:40am on Tuesday (22 Sep).
The two workers were aged 33 and 44.
Work Platform Dislodged From Crane
PSA Singapore, which operates Tuas Port, said the two workers fell into the sea while carrying out stevedoring work.
If the word “stevedoring” sounds unfamiliar, it basically refers to work involving the loading and unloading of cargo from ships.
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the two workers were being lifted in a work platform in the course of their work when the platform dislodged from the crane and fell into the sea.
The 33-year-old worker was immediately rescued from the sea.
He was unconscious when he was taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
The 44-year-old worker was later found in the sea and pronounced dead at the scene by a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedic.
Police said they were alerted to a work-related incident at sea off Tuas Port at about 9:15am.
Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play.
Investigations are ongoing.
MOM Also Investigating Incident
MOM is separately investigating the workplace incident.
The ministry said as a general safety measure, lifting equipment and gear should be properly maintained and inspected before they are used, especially when they are being used to lift people.
Operators must also strictly comply with operating instructions.
PSA said it is working closely with the relevant authorities as investigations continue.
“We are providing support to the families of the workers during this difficult time,” the port operator said.
The incident comes amid continued attention on workplace safety in Singapore.
According to MOM figures reported earlier this month, Singapore recorded 21 workplace deaths in the first half of 2026.
Another workplace fatality occurred recently on 11 Sep, when a 35-year-old worker died after being struck by a hose connected to a compressed-air pump at a construction site in Jurong Port Road.
For the Tuas Port incident, authorities have not announced any findings on what caused the work platform to dislodge from the crane.
Investigations by MOM and the police are ongoing.
