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One missing body has been recovered from the Tonle Sap River, where a race boat from S'pore sank after being hit by a swirling current, reported Xinhua news agency. Four others are still missing in the tragic accident, and police are widening the search circumference.
The families of the five Singaporeans have also been contacted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Saturday. The MFA said it is assisting with arrangements for family members to travel to Cambodia.
'The 17 Singaporeans who were rescued were treated for minor injuries, discharged and are now resting in their hotel rooms,' it said.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was 'saddened' to learn of the boating accident and of the five missing team members, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Saturday.
'I share the deep concerns of the families of the five Singaporeans. The Singapore Government will do all it can to provide the necessary assistance,' Mr Lee said.
'The SAF will be deploying a team to help in the search and rescue efforts. Some members of the families will be departing for Phnom Penh this afternoon, where they will be given an update on the situation.'
'I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Cambodian authorities for the help they have rendered in rescuing the 17 Singaporeans and in the ongoing search and rescue operations,' he said.
The 22 Singaporean rowers were taking part in the traditional dragon boat race in Phnom Penh. The New Paper reported that as the boat reached the docking pier, the rowers asked that the towing boat be untied to let them row for leisure.
The boat subsequently hit a pot of swirling current in the Tonle Sap river and capsized.
The accident occurred on the first day of races, which draw millions of spectators to the capital Phnom Penh.
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