Singapore Flyer rescue team targeted critical capsules first
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 24 December 2008 2053 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Dive Marine Services, which coordinated rescue operations at the Singapore Flyer when it stopped on Tuesday, said its priority was to target capsules which had passengers whose evacuation was deemed critical.

Its leader told Channel NewsAsia that rescue techniques deployed were similar to those used at London's Observation Wheel.

Separately, the Singapore Police said operations at the Flyer have been suspended until its structural and mechanical system is certified safe by the Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), and when additional safety measures are put in place.

The CAB is an internationally recognised competent body that assesses safety standards for amusement rides in accordance with international safety standards.

The Singapore Flyer is required to obtain a Public Entertainment Licence to operate, and the police, as the licensing authority, have ordered the Singapore Flyer to cease operations for now.

The 165-metre high Singapore Flyer has 28 capsules, but at the time of the incident on Tuesday, only 21 were occupied.

When the wheel stopped rotating at 4.50pm, the 21 capsules were filled with 173 passengers. The priority for the rescue team was to deploy as many men as possible to the site and provide those trapped with refreshments.

It took 15 men some 40 minutes to reach the top of the wheel.

Sean Tan, manager, Rope Access Division, Dive Marine Services, said: "When we reached the site, knowing that the passengers had been stuck in the capsules for some time, we deployed the first team to the nearest capsule to evacuate as many people as possible.

"Before we lowered anyone, we asked those trapped if they were comfortable with using the winch. If they didn't feel comfortable, they would have to stay in the capsule till the wheel was repaired."

Ten passengers were brought down by the rescue team before power was restored around 11pm.

"My guys have gone through a lot of practice and training so without much confusion, they just did whatever they could. We used a two-rope system so it was safe. If one rope breaks, there is another rope to hold. We always have a back-up rope," Mr Tan added.

Meanwhile, the police said Tuesday's incident was not deliberate and a fire had caused damage to the Flyer's control system.

Its investigations will cover how the problem occurred, how it could have been prevented and what measures could be put in place to enhance passenger safety.

The police will work closely with the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Singapore Flyer management and independent technical experts to conduct this investigation, with oversight by senior management level at the Ministry of Home Affairs.


- CNA/so