Police Investigating Suspected Drowning Incident Near Kusu Island Whereby 1 Man is Still Missing

Lazarus and Kusu islands are popular destinations to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The islands and surrounding waters are a known haven just off the southern coast of Singapore.

If you have never ventured off the main island and are curious where these two are located, here is a map:

Image: Screengrab of Google Maps

You would probably be more familiar with the island of Sentosa, just north of the two islands. St John Island, located right next to them, might also ring a bell.

However, Kusu Island has now garnered attention for a recent incident.

Two Men Suspected of Drowning

Two men have been suspected of drowning near Kusu Island with one of them still missing. The police are currently investigating the incident.

In a statement late last night, the police said they were alerted to the incident at 2.37pm on Saturday.

A 28-year-old man was rescued and taken to hospital, while rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the other man, aged 24, the police said.

Just yesterday afternoon, The Singapore Marine Guide – an online directory for the boating community – put up a notice on its Facebook page, cautioning boaters to avoid the waters between Kusu and Lazarus islands.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were conducting an operation there, it said.

So if you had plans for a romantic boat ride on the waters surrounding the island tonight, you might want to stick to plan B instead.

Join our Telegram channel for more entertaining and informative articles at https://t.me/goodyfeedsg or download the Goody Feed app here: https://goodyfeed.com/app/ 

Kusu Island

Located 5.6 kilometres south of the main island of Singapore, Kusu Island is a known site for pilgrimage. Kusu (Hokkien for ‘tortoise island’) Island is steeped in local myth and folklore.

Legend revolves around a tortoise that saved a Malay and Chinese man who were shipwrecked. Out of gratefulness, they built a Taoist and Muslim shrine. This sparked the beginning of the island as a pilgrimage site.

In the annual Kusu Pilgrimage season during the ninth lunar month, usually between September and November, many people continue to worship at the island’s sacred sites.

Beach activities, including swimming and snorkelling, are common on the island as well.

Travelling to the island requires a one-hour ferry ride and overnight stays or camping is not allowed.

In the meantime, stay clear of the waters surrounding the islands to avoid disturbing the ongoing investigations. While no further information has been released to the public, don’t spread fake news either.

Read Also:

Featured Image: Facebook (Singapore Marine Guide)