THE cabby's life was in a mess. His wife and two children were not speaking to him, and he had just been involved in an accident at work.

Plagued by family and financial woes, the 50-year-old wanted to end it all.

One afternoon in 2005, he drove his taxi to a spot near the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, then ran up the bridge and jumped, hoping to end his life.

But he survived, though he suffered broken ribs and injuries to his face.

Last year, 374 people here committed suicide. But for every suicide, there are about seven unsuccessful bids, say counsellors.

Suicide is a crime under Section 309 of the Penal Code. Last year, the police arrested 706 people for attempted suicide, a drop from 747 in 2006 and 870 in 2005. In 2004 and 2003, there were 745 and 685 cases respectively. Counsellors say there are many more cases of unreported suicide attempts.

Read the full story in tomorrow's edition of The Sunday Times.