A tragic incident occurred on July 5, 2026, at Pasir Ris Beach, Singapore, when a 24-year-old man was struck by lightning while paddleboarding in the waters off the beach. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received an alert at approximately 4:50 pm and responded promptly to the scene. The man was found unconscious and was transported to Sengkang General Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary investigations by the police indicated no foul play, and investigations are ongoing.
The incident also affected seven other individuals, aged between 13 and 54, who were engaged in kayaking and paddleboarding activities at the time. Five of them were taken to Sengkang General Hospital, conscious but requiring medical attention. Two children were transported to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for further care.
Eyewitnesses reported that the group was approximately 100 meters offshore when the lightning struck. Muhammad Fairuz, a fisherman present at the scene, recounted that the skies were clear when the lightning struck the water. He felt the electric current on his fishing rod and observed a man lying unconscious on his paddleboard, while the rest of the group paddled back to shore in their kayaks. Fairuz, along with another individual, took their kayaks out to rescue the man and bring him back to land.
The victim, identified as Mikhail Benyamin, was a dedicated and promising outdoor instructor. At 24 years old, he was a freelance instructor certified by SeaOPS, a water activities company. Mikhail had been conducting courses for SeaOPS and its sister companies, Camp Challenge and Outdoor Adventures. On the day of the incident, he was at Pasir Ris Beach with his family, engaging in a family activity rather than conducting a course. Andrew Chua, the founder of SeaOPS, expressed deep sadness over the loss, describing Mikhail as a very good instructor who was very dedicated.
Singapore experiences an average of 176 lightning days per year, as reported by the Meteorological Service Singapore. A lightning day is defined as a day when at least one lightning occurrence is detected at the Changi climate station. This incident underscores the importance of exercising caution during outdoor activities, especially during periods of inclement weather. In May 2024, a worker at a fish farm died after being struck by lightning, highlighting the risks associated with outdoor work during thunderstorms.
The community has expressed condolences and support for Mikhail's family and the other individuals affected by this tragic event. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the lightning strike to prevent similar incidents in the future.