Water activities at Sentosa paused after crocodile sighting, search ongoing

Water activities, such as swimming and kayaking, have been paused at Sentosa's Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach until further notice after a crocodile sighting 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, SDC said in a Facebook post at about 11:23pm on Saturday.

As the sighting was assessed to be valid, a joint team was immediately activated to search for it, SDC said.

The search by NParks and SDC is currently ongoing.

Beaches open but activities paused

"The safety and well-being of our guests are our topmost concern," SDC said.

The beaches remain open, and SDC has stepped up patrols and monitoring across the island’s beachfront areas, they added.

As a precautionary measure, water activities are paused at the three beaches until further notice.

Activities, such as paddling, have also been paused, according to a Mothership reader who said she is part of a paddling club.

"We'll be croc-blocked from training for the next week," she joked, adding that they are "a bit upset" because they have a national time trial coming up.

Follow safety instructions

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

Those who encounter a crocodile should "stay calm and back away slowly", SDC said.

They should not approach, provoke, or feed the animal, SDC advised.

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

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