Singapore - A private boat carrying 12 people sank off Singapore leaving one person dead and the others hospitalized, the police coast guard said Friday.

It is believed that the fibreglass cabin cruiser developed a leak and started taking on water before sinking. Police said they received a call Thursday night from a passing boat informing them of the cruiser's plight.

Police rescued eight people from the water while two other boats pulled out four.

A 57-year-old man was pronounced dead an hour later by paramedics, The Straits Times said. He reportedly had a history of heart problems.

The other passengers were four men, four women and three girls aged between 8 and 10.

A 36-year-old woman onboard was six months pregnant, the report said.

All were taken to the Singapore General Hospital.

The members of three families were returning after a trip to Kusu Island. They departed in mid-afternoon.

The boat owner is believed to have bought the vessel second-hand. (dpa)