Pilot dead following man-overboard mishap in Singapore’s Southern Islands

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has confirmed that a harbour pilot lost his life as a result of a vessel transfer accident in Singapore’s Southern Islands on Saturday, February 11.

The pilot, an employee of local operator PSA Marine, had fallen overboard while disembarking from a tug to board another boat in the waters off the Southern Islands at around 02:50 local time on Saturday.

The MPA, the Singapore Police Coast Guard, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) immediately deployed patrol and emergency response craft to the scene to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations. The MPA also activated divers to conduct an underwater search for the missing pilot and issued navigational safety broadcasts to surrounding vessels to support the SAR efforts.

The MPA said the pilot’s body was recovered at about 11:30 on Saturday. The remains have since been transferred to the police coast guard.

Port officials said the pilot was wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident.