21-10-2024 (YANGON) A devastating maritime incident has struck the Taninthayi Region of Myanmar, leaving a community in shock and mourning. On the evening of 20 October, a motorboat carrying passengers from Kyaukka Village to Myeik met with disaster, resulting in a significant loss of life and leaving scores missing.
The ill-fated vessel, packed with travellers, including students returning from the Thadingyut holiday, capsized at approximately 9 pm near the Kyaukkar stream in Palaw Township. As of the latest reports, the grim toll stands at seven confirmed fatalities, with over 70 individuals still unaccounted for in the murky waters.
Local social organisations have been at the forefront of rescue efforts, working tirelessly through the night to save lives and recover bodies. Eleven survivors have been rushed to medical facilities, with five receiving outpatient care and six admitted to Kyaukkar Hospital for more intensive treatment.
A volunteer from a local social organisation, speaking on condition of anonymity, painted a heart-wrenching picture of the tragedy. “Among the victims are students who were simply trying to return to their studies after the holiday,” the volunteer explained. “The closure of the Palaw-Myeik road due to ongoing conflicts left them with no choice but to travel by water. It’s an absolutely devastating situation for all involved.”
The disaster has highlighted the perilous conditions faced by civilians in conflict-affected areas of Myanmar. With land routes rendered impassable, many residents are forced to rely on potentially hazardous water transport, often in overcrowded vessels ill-equipped for emergency situations.
Local residents sprang into action as news of the sinking spread, mobilising boats to aid in the rescue efforts. By 11:25 pm, the first wave of survivors and recovered bodies had been transported to Kyaukkar Hospital, showcasing the community’s resilience and solidarity in the face of tragedy.
As dawn broke over the Taninthayi Region, search and rescue operations continued in earnest. Teams of local volunteers, supported by whatever resources they could muster, scoured the area around the Kyaukkar stream, clinging to hope that more survivors might be found.
