Tragic Drowning of Zubeen Garg: What It Reveals About Yacht Safety Regulations

The Incident That Shocked a Nation

The tragic drowning of renowned Indian singer and composer Zubeen Garg has sparked discussions regarding the legal responsibilities of vessel operators concerning intoxicated passengers, as reported by legal experts.

Garg, a beloved figure in India's northeastern region, was in Singapore for a live performance in September 2025. Just a day prior to his show, he enjoyed a yacht excursion with friends, where he tragically drowned while swimming near Lazarus Island, a well-known diving location.

His untimely death sent shockwaves through his home state of Assam, prompting widespread mourning among his fans. Subsequently, police initiated legal actions against the event organizer, his manager, and several others involved.

Nico Lee, managing director of Triangle Legal, informed a local media outlet that Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority regulations prohibit allowing intoxicated individuals on board if their condition poses a risk to the vessel's safety.

According to Lee, the captain of the yacht has a duty of care towards guests, and failing to uphold this could be seen as negligence.

Garg and his entourage of around 15 were celebrating on a chartered yacht they boarded at Marina at Keppel Bay.

A death certificate from Singapore General Hospital confirmed drowning as the cause of death.

An autopsy revealed that Garg had a blood alcohol level of 333 mg per 100 ml, significantly exceeding Singapore's legal driving limit, which likely impaired his coordination.

Lee emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the vessel's controller was aware of Garg's intoxication and that he may not have fully comprehended safety instructions.

He argued that if a guest's intoxication endangers safety, the captain should prevent them from boarding altogether.

Lee also suggested that the yacht's crew could have assigned someone to monitor Garg or ensured he received a clear safety briefing when he was sober.

Vanessa Sandhu from Clifford Law LLP highlighted the critical question of whether the yacht captain had a 'duty of care' towards Garg and if any breach of this duty contributed to his death.

Sandhu explained that while yacht operators are generally responsible for passenger safety, the standard of care is based on what a reasonable captain would do in similar circumstances.

During the coroner's inquiry, vessel operators stated that no one compelled Garg to drink or swim, and all guests were informed about the importance of wearing life jackets.

On March 25, the coroner ruled Garg's death as accidental drowning. By April 1, police concluded their investigation, finding no evidence of foul play.

In Assam, however, seven individuals were arrested in connection with Garg's death, with some facing murder charges, although all suspects have denied any wrongdoing.