Tower Transit S'pore pays tribute to staff member found dead after Southern Islands boat collision

Tower Transit Singapore (TTS) has bid farewell to Chua Muhammad Syafidi, 37. 

He went missing on Mar. 27 after a collision between a pleasure craft and a supply vessel off Singapore's Southern Islands. 

His body was found in the waters off the coast of Karimun, Indonesia, and Indonesian authorities alerted the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Mar. 30 at about 3pm.

On Apr. 5, about 100 TTS members gathered to pay their final respects to Syafidi, who had worked there for 10 years.

Set to graduate from diploma course on May 5

According to a TTS Facebook post, Syafidi started as a vehicle technician and rose through the ranks to become an engineering supervisor.

"He had just completed a part-time Diploma in Operations and Engineering Management and was looking forward to his graduation ceremony on May 5."

TTS said Syafidi took pride in his work and kept TTS buses "running safely and smoothly".

The bus operator added that Syafidi also had a creative spirit, and his legacy could be seen in a "life-sized replica bus he built from scratch", which has been honourably placed in the lobby of Bulim Bus Depot.

The company offered its deepest condolences and support to Syafidi's wife, children and relatives.

TTS said, "He will be remembered most for the kindness he showed his colleagues, his readiness to lend a hand, and his ever-present smile. We will miss you, Syafidi."

Pleasure craft

There were three people on board the pleasure craft at the time, and the two other passengers were rescued and safe, said MPA on Mar. 27.

A pleasure craft is a vessel used for private recreation and not for carrying passengers for hire.

The craft sank and was recovered on Mar. 30.

All those on board the supply vessel were accounted for, and no injuries were reported, added MPA.

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Top photo from Sentosa/Website