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A tragic incident occurred on Sunday, November 16, when a 49-year-old employee of the Housing and Development Board, who was representing its dragon boat team, passed away after competing in a race at the Singapore Sports Hub’s Water Sports Centre in Kallang.
According to HDB, the man took part in a morning race as part of the annual Singapore Regatta Waterfest and later collapsed while resting. “He was transported to the hospital for medical attention, where he later passed on after unsuccessful resuscitation attempts by the emergency crew,” the board said in a statement.
HDB added, “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and our own colleagues who are grieving this sudden loss. We are in close contact with the family and are providing them our fullest support and assistance during this difficult time.”
The Singapore Police Force confirmed they were alerted to a case of unnatural death at Tan Tock Seng Hospital at 12.20 pm. The man had been admitted to the hospital unconscious and was later pronounced dead. The police said, “Based on preliminary investigations, no foul play is suspected,” and noted that the investigation is ongoing.
The organisers of the Singapore Regatta Waterfest, Kallang Alive Sport Management, and the Singapore Dragon Boat Association issued a joint statement regarding the incident. They said that immediate medical help was provided on-site when the man reported feeling unwell, before he was taken to the hospital.
They added, “As organisers, Kallang Alive Sport Management and the Singapore Dragon Boat Association are working closely with the relevant authorities to provide further assistance if needed. We are deeply saddened by the incident, and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”
The Singapore Regatta Waterfest, held from Friday to Sunday, is one of the country’s largest dragon boating events. This year, nearly 4,000 participants competed across 25 categories, according to the Singapore Sports Hub’s website.
