World · Singapore Bureau
Search called off for two divers missing in Palau
Authorities in Palau have suspended search and rescue operations for a 62-year-old Singaporean and a 43-year-old Chinese national who went missing during a diving expedition at Peleliu Wall earlier this month.
LSN Singapore ·
Tan Soon Liang and Xiaowi Wu disappeared on September 7 while diving at the popular reef site off the coast of Palau. The two men failed to surface after entering the water, prompting immediate search efforts by local authorities and rescue teams.
Search and rescue operations were conducted over several days following the incident, covering extensive areas around Peleliu Wall and surrounding waters. Despite comprehensive efforts by Palauan authorities and support from regional maritime agencies, no trace of the missing divers was located.
Paluans officials announced the suspension of active search operations after determining that further attempts were unlikely to yield results given the challenging conditions and depth of the diving location. The circumstances surrounding their disappearance remain under investigation.
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with deep-water diving operations. Peleliu Wall is renowned among diving enthusiasts but is considered an advanced dive site due to its depth and strong currents.