Pulau Ubin boatman, 70, falls into sea, hits head on rocks, dies

A 70-year-old boatman died after falling into the sea while unloading goods at the Pulau Ubin jetty on Jul. 1.

In response to queries from Mothership, the police said they received a call for assistance at around 1:55pm.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) also told Mothership that they were alerted to the incident at around 2pm at 91 Loyang Way, which is where the Police Coast Guard's Loyang Base is located.

The man was retrieved from the waters and conveyed unconscious to Changi General Hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

Lost his balance

According to 8world, the deceased, Ng Lai Ming, was delivering engineering supplies on behalf of a contractor when the accident happened.

A Pulau Ubin resident told 8world that Ng was standing at the bow of the vessel, using a pole to adjust its position and prevent it from crashing into the shore.

However, the pole allegedly snapped.

An apparent sudden gust of strong wind caused Ng to lose his balance and fall face-first into the shallow water.

He struck his head against the rocks.

Workers at the scene immediately pulled him out of the water and performed CPR.

He was transported to the mainland by the Police Coast Guard before being handed over to the SCDF, who rushed him to the hospital.

Ng's younger brother told 8world that he only found out about the accident from a worker at the scene.

He said: "When I went to see him at the hospital later, he had already passed away."

Ng's legacy

Ng had worked in the shipping and boating industry for decades, running a passenger and cargo ferry service between Changi and Pulau Ubin with his two younger brothers.

The Pulau Ubin resident who spoke to 8world also said he had known Ng for many years, adding that the brothers used to live on the island before relocating to the mainland.

The trio were affectionately known by locals as the island's "Three Musketeers".

The resident described the deceased as quiet and reserved, and someone who "talked less and did more".

Ng is survived by his wife and children.

Investigations ongoing

The Pulau Ubin resident also highlighted that the island lacks medical facilities and stationed first-aid personnel, which prolongs rescue and transport times during emergencies.

Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play.

Police investigations are ongoing.