7-11-2024 (SINGAPORE) A 60-year-old flotsam retrieval worker lost his life in Singapore’s waters on Thursday morning, prompting a major multi-agency search and recovery operation at Woodlands Waterfront Park.
Mr Jasmani Osman, who had been employed in flotsam clearance operations since August 2024, fell overboard from his craft near Woodlands jetty at approximately 10am, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The incident triggered an immediate response from multiple emergency services, including the Police Coast Guard, MPA patrol vessels, and two Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) marine firefighting and rescue craft. The authorities also issued navigational broadcasts to nearby vessels, requesting vigilance for any person in the water.
After an extensive search operation, rescuers recovered Mr Jasmani’s body, and an SCDF paramedic pronounced him deceased at the scene. Police investigations are ongoing, though preliminary findings suggest no foul play was involved.
The victim’s son, who identified himself only as Naz, revealed that family members were notified of the incident through a group chat message around noon. Mr Jasmani is survived by five children – two daughters and three sons.
According to the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s National Action Strategy on marine litter, published in June 2022, MPA maintains a fleet of nine specialised craft for daily clearance of floating debris, including tree trunks, plastic waste, and other materials that could pose navigational hazards in Singapore’s busy waters.
By late afternoon, a significant emergency service presence remained at the park, with police and SCDF vehicles stationed near the entrance, while marine units continued their operations near the jetty. A police tent, typically used to maintain privacy in such incidents, was erected at the scene.