Crocodile spotted near Changi Naval Base, navy to step up monitoring

A crocodile was spotted in the waters near Changi Naval Base, prompting the Republic of Singapore Navy to step up monitoring.

In a Facebook post on Feb. 4, the navy said sea soldiers from 9 Flotilla were alerted to the crocodile in the waters near the base.

The crocodile "stayed briefly before returning to the Singapore Strait", they said.

The navy said its base teams have since stepped up monitoring, and are working closely with the relevant authorities.

The navy also reminded members of the public to be alert and safe if they are around the coastal area.

Previous crocodile sighting at Sentosa

This comes just five days after a crocodile was sighted in the waters off Sentosa Cove.

The National Parks Board (NParks) and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) were alerted to the sighting in the evening of Jan. 31.

Following this, water activities, such as swimming and kayaking, were paused at Sentosa's Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach until further notice.

It remains unclear if the crocodile spotted on Saturday is the same crocodile as the one spotted near Changi Naval Base.

Members of the public are advised to adhere strictly to safety signages and instructions on the ground.

Should they encounter a crocodile, they should "stay calm and back away slowly", and should not approach, provoke, or feed the animal.

The public may contact NParks Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 to report any sightings or encounters.

Top photo from Republic of Singapore Navy/Facebook