2 workers at Tuas Port die after falling into the sea

Two workers have died following an incident at Tuas Port on the morning of Sep. 22.

In response to Mothership's queries, a PSA Singapore spokesperson confirmed that an incident occurred at Tuas Port at about 8:40am on Tuesday.

Two workers fell into the sea in the course of stevedoring work, the spokesperson said.

Stevedoring work involves loading and unloading cargo on ships.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed with Mothership that they were alerted to a work-related incident at sea off Tuas Port at about 9:15am.

A 44-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic.

The other worker, a 33-year-old man, was conveyed unconscious to the hospital where he subsequently passed away.

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

Police investigations are ongoing.

"PSA is working closely with the relevant authorities, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. We are providing support to the families of the workers during this difficult time,” the spokesperson added.

MOM investigating

In response to Mothership's queries, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said they are investigating the incident.

MOM said the two workers were lifted in a work platform in the course of stevedoring work when the work platform dislodged from the crane and fell into the sea.

One of the workers was immediately rescued from the sea and conveyed to Ng Teng Fong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The second worker was subsequently found in the sea and pronounced dead at the scene by attending paramedics, MOM added.

"As a general safety measure, lifting equipment and gears have to be properly maintained and inspected before use especially if they are used to lift people. Operators of equipment have to comply strictly to operating instructions," MOM said.