A cheer that is fun and enjoyable to do with your fellow peers during campfires, night stays and simply everywhere around. But for these 5 men, it was their last time for them to cheer. On Thursday 22nd November 2007 was the day where by 22 men came to Cambodia with high spirits to go through a dragon boat race the next day at Tonle Sap, Friday.

Sad to say, on that very day, a tragic yet unforgettable accident had happen causing 5 men to be dead. Due to strong current waves which has caused the 22-men dragon boat to capsized. 22 men rushed towards the river bed in an instance. 17 men were rescued safely. For some of the 17 men, they said "near death". The other 5 men were found dead nearly 40m away where the accident had took place. The cause of death were probably by drowning, struggling with the currents or by swallowing excessive muddy water.

The 5 bodies were recovered and brought back to the hospital. The Captain, who had to do the most difficult task which was to identify the 5 bodies. He said "It was tough but it was my responsibility. I had to do it". The captain broke down in tears.

The family members of the deceased had also broken down in tears, uncontrollably and inconsolable. Is hard being a mother especially when you have to raise the child and suddenly after 20 years, the child has left you saying "goodbye ma". This child which I'm referring to is Mr Chee who was an ex-River Valley and ex-St Andrew. He had a bright future a head as he won himself a place to study at NTU.




No life jackets. No life.
Treasure your friends today, now & in the future.
Treasure your children forever.
I hope this 5 day-long story has brought you to realize how important & valuable your friends are. Show them some love :)
Tonle Sap.



Please read the news in any way to get to the story. Go to
the newspaper website or read, listen & watch them!


Qucik bites:

• The 22-men boat from Singapore cannot whitstand the current.
• The 'normal' 85-men boat from Cambodia can whitstand the current.
• The 22-men boat from Singapore weighs 500kg.
• The King Of Cambodia wrote a letter to PM Lee mentioning his great condolences.
• PM Lee wrote a letter to King Of Cambodia saying his utmost thankfulness in the operation of finding the 5 men.
• Nearly 400 boats took part.
• The platoon was 45m long.

*Information written are collected from
The Straits Time Singapore, The New Paper
& Berita Harian.