Body Found in Waters off Kemaman Confirmed to be S’porean Kayaker

By
Victor Fong
-
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Ms Puah Geok Tin and Mr Tan Eng Soon went kayaking with 13 other S’poreans on the National Day & Hari Raya long weekend.

They first went missing on 8 Aug 2019, and their missing kayak was found on 13 Aug 2019 along with some belongings.

Puah Geok Tin’s body was found on 14 Aug 2019, with her death being confirmed on social media by her son in the midnight of 15 Aug 2019.

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Recap of what happened

You can read our previous articles here and here, but here’s the summary of what happened before:

  • Tan Eng Soon and Puah Geok Tin, both unrelated, went on a 5D4N kayaking trip with 13 other kayakers.
  • All members were experienced kayakers.
  • There would be no telecommunication signals, water source or rations on this trip, as it was planned to be island hopping.
  • The group left Penyabong jetty at about 10:00 am on 8 Aug 2019.
  • At about 5.40 p.m., they were separated from the group around the Endau Islands. Turbulent sea and strong winds were believed to be the cause.
  • Police report lodged about 10.30 a.m. 9 Aug 2019 when the group’s own search failed.
  • Johor Baru marine rescue sub-centre (MRSC) was notified about them at about 2.15 p.m. later. A search and rescue team got activated at Penyabong jetty at about 3.30 p.m.
  • On 13 Aug, the missing bright green kayak was spotted by fishermen at about 12.30 pm.
  • Within the kayak, other items were discovered.

On 14 Aug 2019, we would be receiving unfortunate news.

Body found by a fisherman

A woman’s body was found around noon, floating 5 nautical miles east of Kuala Kemanan. This is 100 nautical miles from the area the pair was reported to be missing.

The body was still in a safety jacket but wasn’t confirmed to be Puah Geok Tin until later by her son, Louis Pang, on an Instagram story and on Facebook.

Image: Louis Pang Instagram

The message shown is,

“Dear Mummy, You’ve led a wonderful & glorious life. You did what you love to do till the very end.

Rest in peace, Mummy. I love you.

Now spread your wings and be free. I promise to bring you back home safe with me.”<

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An earlier interview with Straits Times showed that their family were very close, and they lost sleep over the past few days.

Ranie Pang, Louis’s sister, shared her younger brother’s post on Instagram and added, “You’ll live in our hearts forever.”

Mr Tan is still missing, and we hope that he will be found alive soon.

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Victor Fong
Email: [email protected]