HDB dragon boat team member dies after race at Singapore Regatta Waterfest 2025
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The 2025 edition of the Singapore Regatta Waterfest took place from Nov 14-16 at the Singapore Sports Hub's Water Sports Centre, featuring nearly 4,000 participants across 25 categories.
PHOTO: ALEXTAN.PHOTOGRAPHY
Joel Chang
Follow topic:
- A 49-year-old HDB staff member died at the Singapore Regatta Waterfest 2025 after collapsing while resting after a race.
- Police were alerted to a case of unnatural death at 12.20pm, but do not suspect foul play and are continuing with investigations.
- The event organisers and HDB are providing assistance to the family during this difficult time, with thoughts and condolences.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – A 49-year-old man from HDB’s dragon boat team died after taking part in the 2025 Singapore Regatta Waterfest at Kallang on Nov 16.
The man, who was a Housing Board staff member, had reported feeling unwell after the morning race at the Singapore Sports Hub’s Water Sports Centre at Kallang Basin. Despite receiving on-site medical attention, his condition did not improve.
He was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital unconscious, where he was subsequently pronounced dead, said the police, who were alerted to a case of unnatural death at the hospital at 12.20pm.
Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play, they said in response to queries from The Straits Times. Investigations are ongoing.
The man was resting when he collapsed, HDB said in response to ST’s queries.
“He was transported to the hospital for medical attention, where he later passed on after unsuccessful resuscitation attempts by the emergency crew,” said HDB, adding that it is “deeply saddened” by his death.
When contacted, Kallang Alive Sport Management, which runs the Singapore Sports Hub, said “immediate medical assistance was rendered on-site” when the man reported feeling unwell, before he was taken to hospital for medical attention.
“As organisers, Kallang Alive Sport Management and the Singapore Dragon Boat Association, are working closely with the relevant authorities to provide further assistance if needed,” added its statement. “We are deeply saddened by the incident and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”
HDB added: “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and our own colleagues who are grieving this sudden loss.
“We are in close contact with the family and are providing them our fullest support and assistance during this difficult time.”
The Singapore Regatta Waterfest, which was held from Nov 14 to 16, saw close to 4,000 rowers taking part in over 25 categories.
There were teams from various educational institutions and corporate organisations, who converged on the Singapore Sport Hub’s Water Sports Centre to “race, celebrate and close the (dragon boat) season on a high note”.
The event was billed as a fun outing for everyone, with games and activities held along the Kallang waterfront representing “a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant dragon boat culture”.
