Coroner's Court Details Zubeen Garg's Drowning Incident

A Singapore coroner's court heard testimony on Wednesday revealing that Indian singer-songwriter Zubeen Garg drowned off Lazarus Island last September after refusing a life jacket while severely intoxicated during a yacht outing. The 52-year-old artist from Assam, India, died on September 19, 2024, a day before he was set to perform at the North East India Festival in Singapore, where he served as a cultural brand ambassador.

Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim, from the Police Coast Guard and the inquiry's first witness, provided a detailed account of the incident to the court. Garg had boarded the yacht, named Crazy Monkey, at Marina at Keppel Bay around 2 p.m. with about 20 friends and colleagues, including members of the Assam Association Singapore, which organized the outing. The group consumed snacks, drinks, and alcohol, with witnesses reporting that Garg had several cups of liquor, including gin, whisky, and Guinness Stout.

The yacht arrived near Lazarus Island around 3 p.m., where the captain conducted two safety briefings, emphasizing the need for life jackets before swimming. Garg initially donned a life jacket and jumped into the water but removed it shortly...