20-9-2023 (YANGON) The Myanmar junta announced on Wednesday (Sept 20) that a boat that sank in a river was caught in a “whirlpool,” while local media reported the recovery of at least a dozen bodies.
According to a statement from the junta’s information team, the vessel was part of a group, although it remains unclear whether the boats belonged to the military. The junta did not provide any information regarding casualties. However, local media sources stated that approximately 100 people were onboard, and BBC Burmese reported that 12 bodies had been found.
The boat sank in a “whirlpool” near Mauk Ka Taw village in Mingin Township, located in the northern Sagaing region. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, as stated in the junta’s press release. The sinking is currently under investigation, but no further details were provided.
Sagaing region has become a hotbed of resistance against the military since the 2021 coup. Consequently, the junta frequently restricts internet access in the area, making it challenging to verify information and obtain accurate details.
Despite attempts to reach out to the Sagaing regional government, a spokesperson has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the incident.
