Around 100 individuals are believed to have perished in a shipwreck on Myanmar’s Chindwin River in the Sagaing region, based on eyewitness accounts and news reports.
Although seven survivors were discovered, only seven bodies have been retrieved as of Thursday (Sept 21), with the rest being unaccounted for and likely deceased.
The mishap, which took place on Tuesday, involved a ship transporting soldiers and was en route to deliver supplies and fresh troops to the troubled Sagaing zone.
The boat struck rocks near Mingin village and tipped over due to a powerful current. Notably, students and educators were among the passengers.
The region of Sagaing witnessed strong opposition to the military coup in Myanmar, with the military facing challenges in establishing dominance, resulting in heightened tensions and conflict. Rebel groups enforce their regulations in territories they dominate.
Over 700,000 locals have fled due to military offenses. The rescue operation was complicated because of the military presence on the ship.
A local, Min Thu, explained that while the community usually aids in rescue missions, the coup has made circumstances precarious, especially given the military nature of the ship.
He expressed doubt about the availability of suitable rescue tools and mentioned the challenges posed by poor weather, strong currents, and visibility of some bodies without retrieval.
Since the 2021 coup that overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has experienced strict governance. Suu Kyi, formerly the country’s de facto leader, is now imprisoned, facing over 30 years for multiple offenses.
