A SENIOR diver at the now-closed Underwater World Singapore (UWS) was killed in a freak accident when a stingray stung him in a chest as he was transferring aquatic animals to newer facilities, local media reported.
According to Todayonline, the incident claimed the life of 62-year-old Philip Chan on Tuesday afternoon as he was preparing to transfer some of the animals to a new aquarium.
The Haw Par Corporation, which runs the UWS, said in a statement that Chan was injured in the chest by a stingray in the process of the preparation. Chan, who is the head of UWS’ team of divers was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a few hours later.
Once popular among Singaporeans and tourists, the aquarium ceased operations in late June. Chan was among 10 staff members who were tasked with caring for the animals pending their transfers to new homes.
The company described Chan as a “veteran diver, aquarist and animal caregiver who had been caring for the aquatic animals at UWS since its opening in 1991”.
Underwater World diver Philip Chan: Being with the fish – it’s a job to dive for https://t.co/gcLxJ0QpdA pic.twitter.com/tJug0KY8Lv
— The Straits Times (@STcom) June 13, 2016
On Tuesday, The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the incident at about 2.20pm and immediately dispatched an ambulance to the scene where they found Chan lying near the entrance.
Paramedics had administered CPR on Chan in the ambulance on the way to the hospital where medical staff were put on standby to receive the victim.
Haw Par said it was providing the authorities with assistance in their investigation on the incident. The company added it would provide “all possible support and assistance” to Chan’s family, According to Todayonline.
SEE ALSO: Steve Irwin — RIP
Straits Times reported that Chan’s abnormal death was the first such incident in Singapore.
Chan’s death was reminiscent of Australian celebrity wildlife Stephen Robert “Steve” Irwin, who was also known as the Crocodile Hunter who died in similar circumstances a decade ago. In September 2006, Irwin was struck in the chest by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary.
TNP and The Straits Times (ST) carried profiles of Mr Chan, an avid diver who had been with UWS since it opened in 1991, in June after the closure of the marine park was announced.
Following the marine park’s closing, Chan who has been with the aquarium since it opened in 1991, had been profiled in a series of articles.
“They are so quietly tame,” Chan was recently quoted as saying.
Chan added he was saddened to part with his “band of friends”, referring to the marine animals that were part of the aquarium.
“We intend to find them the best homes and environment. The next time I see them, I might not recognize them anymore but if I dive, they might recognize me.”
The post Singaporean veteran aquarium diver dies after being struck by stingray appeared first on Asian Correspondent.
