Singaporean authorities presented a detailed account of Indian singing sensation Zubeen Garg’s tragic drowning during a coroner’s inquiry on Wednesday. The 52-year-old artist, visiting Singapore for the North East India Festival in September 2025, perished during a yacht excursion near Lazarus Island despite multiple safety interventions.
According to testimony from the chief investigating officer, Garg participated in a yacht party with approximately twenty companions on September 19th. Although initially wearing a life vest during his first swim, witnesses reported the equipment was ill-fitting. After returning to the vessel expressing fatigue, Garg elected to reenter the water without safety equipment despite being offered a properly sized replacement jacket.
Channel NewsAsia reported that multiple witnesses observed the heavily intoxicated performer swimming alone toward Lazarus Island without flotation protection. When companions shouted warnings, Garg attempted to return to the yacht but suddenly became motionless and began floating face-down in the water. Crew members promptly retrieved the unconscious artist and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The Police Coast Guard responded within two minutes of the distress call, arriving onsite within nine minutes. Medical personnel noted no pulse or respiration upon taking over resuscitation efforts. The yacht proceeded to Marina South Pier where Garg was transported to Singapore General Hospital and pronounced deceased at approximately 5:15 PM.
Postmortem examination confirmed drowning as the primary cause of death, with secondary injuries consistent with rescue efforts. Toxicological analysis detected medications for hypertension and epilepsy in his system, but no other substances. The investigation confirmed that despite repeated safety reminders from both the yacht captain and fellow passengers, Garg ultimately declined protective equipment.