Missing boy found dead in waters off East Coast Park

11-year-old Hairil had been reported missing on Aug 29; police do not suspect foul play

- Rhea Yasmine

Police have confirmed that a body found in the waters off East Coast Park on the night of Aug 30 was that of an 11-year-old boy who had been reported missing.

Muhammad Hairil Effendi, who had special needs, was last seen on Aug 29 in Marine Terrace, in the vicinity of Block 29 Marine Crescent, at around 11.05am.

His parents realised he was missing at around 11am on Aug 29, and his mother, who wants to be known only as Ms Ain, said their neighbour's CCTV footage recorded him leaving their home in Marine Terrace.

Hairil, who mostly did not speak, was last seen wearing grey shorts without any footwear and shirt.

The police had put out an appeal for information on Hairil's whereabouts on the night of Aug 29. Members of the public had also circulated a poster of the missing boy on social media.

His body was found floating at sea off East Coast Park on Aug 30. Police said on Aug 31 that Hairil's next of kin had identified the body to be his.

Mr Goh Pei Ming, an MP for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, said he was with Hairil's family when they found out about his death.

"My heart goes out to them during this incredibly difficult time. The Marine Parade family stands with them, and we will do everything we can to support them through this period of grief and healing," he said in a Facebook post on Aug 31.

In a separate post, he said it was "a sad day for the Marine Parade family" as it mourns the loss of one of its own.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Hairil's family during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in the support of the community," said Mr Goh.