The body of a temple medium was found in the sea off Changi Beach Park on Sunday morning, hours after he performed rites as part of the Qing Ming Festival.

The 35-year-old went to the park at about 1am on Sunday with devotees from the temple where he worked, Chinese evening newspaper Shin Min Daily News reported.

He then walked into the sea as part of the ritual and is believed to have been swept by the strong waves. Others from the group realised his disappearance later and tried to find him but gave up because of the darkness and strong currents.

Police were informed of the incident at about 2.45am, and conducted a search with the Singapore Civil Defence Force. Shin Min said the body was found by someone on a fishing boat about 1km from the coastline. Police confirmed that the body was brought to shore at about 9.45 am. The incident has been classified as an unnatural death and police are investigating.