2 workers fall into sea after part of pier gives way at Keppel Shipyard in Tuas, 1 still missing

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Two workers fell into the sea at Keppel Shipyard in Tuas when a section of the pier gave way and caused a crane to topple on Monday (Aug 22).

One worker was rescued and is in stable condition while the other worker is currently missing, a Keppel Shipyard spokesman told Stomp.

"We are working with the SCDF and Police Coast Guard on the search operations," said the spokesman.

In response to a Stomp query, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for a rescue incident at 51 Pioneer Sector 1 at noon.

"Upon SCDF's arrival, a shore crane was found leaning against a berthed vessel. SCDF conveyed two persons to National University Hospital," said SCDF.

"A person is currently unaccounted for. SCDF search operations are ongoing."

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) told The Straits Times, a 38-year-old Bangladeshi worker was on the pier where the crane had toppled.

The accident happened on Monday at about 10.40am. As of 3.15pm on Tuesday, the worker employed by Kumarann Marine is still missing.

Four other workers - two Bangladeshis, a Chinese national and a local - sustained minor injuries as a result of the accident. They are all in stable condition, the ministry added.

MOM said part of the concrete pier on which the crane was standing had collapsed, causing the crane to topple and become partially submerged under water.

The ministry added that it is investigating the cause of the accident, and has stopped all works at the pier.

The Keppel Shipyard spokesman said: “Keppel Shipyard values the life and safety of every worker and is working closely with the authorities to conduct thorough investigations.

"As investigations are ongoing, we are unable to provide further details at this juncture.”