'A big brother to many': S'porean man, 24, who died after lightning strike, a sea sports instructor

A 24-year-old Singaporean man died following a suspected lightning strike off Pasir Ris Beach on Jul. 5.

He has been identified as Mikhail Benyamin, a freelance sea sports instructor.

Tributes and condolences for the deceased remembered him as a dependable "big brother" figure who was deeply passionate about water sports.

What happened

Mikhail was having a picnic at Pasir Ris Park with his family and friends before the group went out to sea to paddle, it was previously reported.

As a freelance instructor with Outdoor Adventures and Kokomo Beach Club, he borrowed five kayaks and several paddles from the club, whose staff are permitted to use them outside of work hours.

Although it was an informal event, Mikhail had conducted a standard safety briefing for the group before heading out.

Mikhail and seven others aged between 13 and 54 were kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding within the designated area and were returning to shore when the lightning struck.

Police confirmed they were alerted to the incident at 131 Pasir Ris Road at about 4:50pm.

Mikhail was taken unconscious to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Six others were taken to Sengkang General Hospital and two were conveyed to KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

Skies had been clear, no warning sirens

Outdoor Adventures Chief Operating Officer Berwin Tan told CNA on Jul. 6 that standard safety protocols dictate customers must return to shore immediately if a lightning alert is activated.

In severe weather, the company also deploys sirens, whistles, and direct calls to recall instructors.

However, staff and witnesses on-site reported that the skies were perfectly clear prior to the strike, and no lightning warning sirens had been triggered.

The rain only began after the lightning had already struck, prompting nearby fishermen to rush to the group's aid.

The area where the equipment was kept has since been cordoned off with police tape.

'A beacon of light'

Mikhail had reportedly studied Outdoor Education at Republic Polytechnic and was deeply passionate about water sports, reported 8world.

He also held a Ministry of Education (MOE) water sports instructor qualification and regularly conducted professional kayaking and coaching sessions.

Tan described Mikhail as a highly experienced, reliable instructor, and a "beacon of light" to his peers.

"He has always been like the big brother to many people and was a very reliable instructor," Tan said, adding that the sea sports community has been profoundly affected by the loss.

He added: "It is with a really heavy heart for a lot of us because Mikhail was a very nice person."

Out of respect for Mikhail and his family, Kokomo Beach Club has suspended all operations for two weeks.

Tan added that the company will review and step up its instructor training, focusing on weather awareness and navigating rapidly changing conditions at sea.

The company also extended its deepest condolences to Mikhail's family and committed to offering them full support.