Singapore - The military is deploying a team to help in the search for five Singaporeans missing and feared drowned after their dragon boat capsized during Cambodia's water festival river races, officials said on Saturday. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his appreciation to the Cambodian authorities for the help they rendered in rescuing 17 others.
The accident occurred on Friday on the first day of the annual races when the boat capsized.
The incident took place as the crew of 22 was rowing back to the starting line at the end of the 1.5-kilometre race.
The boat was swept by a sudden wave and hit a pontoon, causing it to overturn, said Kwek Siew Jim, president of the Singapore Dragon Boat Association.
Rescue boats were deployed, but five of the crew could not be found. The 17 other Singaporeans were treated for minor injuries.
Lee said in a statement that he is saddened to learn of the boating incident and shares the deep concerns of the families of those missing.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry and Singapore's embassy in Cambodia said they are working with Cambodian authorities in the research and rescue operations.
More than 400 boats were entered in the races this year.
