By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-09-09 03:31:35 | Updated at 2026-09-09 04:02:23
33 minutes ago
SINGAPORE – Search-and-rescue operations are under way for a Singaporean who went missing after a diving incident in Palau on Sept 7, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) liaising with the local authorities.
In a media reply on Sept 9, MFA said it is providing consular assistance to the missing person’s family and is in contact with the Palau authorities on ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” the ministry said.
Made up of about 340 islands, islets and atolls, Palau is an island nation located south-east of the Philippines and known for its clear waters, coral reefs and forests.
The archipelago has a population of around 18,000 people, largely concentrated in Koror, its former capital and the economic centre of the nation.
Palau, which is home to the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon limestone islets, draws intrepid explorer types with its variety of outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, hiking and wildlife encounters.
Since 2024, non-stop flights from Taipei to Koror by China Airlines have increased from twice a week to four to five. In October 2025, United Airlines launched a non-stop route from Tokyo to Koror.
A number of Singapore-based dive operators and travel agencies offer diving trips and packages to the Micronesian island.
According to official figures published by Palau’s Ministry of Finance, the island nation received 6,963 visitors in July.
