An overloaded ferry capsized leaving an estimated 100 passengers missing near Michaungdwin village in Kani Township, Sagaing Region on the Chindwin River at around 5am on October 15, sources say.
The ferry, Aung Soe Moe Kyaw, reportedly carried more than 250 passengers and goods. Search and rescue teams found 154 people and four bodies.
Most of the passengers were government employees from the health-care department, teachers, firefighters and students from Monywa University and Monywa Institute of Economics.
Passenger Aung Kyaw Oo said: “The ferry left Homalin on the morning of October 14. It carried a lot of people and goods as it is a holiday period. I said they were carrying too many passengers but they ignored me. They took more people in Phaungbyin. I complained to the disciplinary committee in Phaungbyin. They replied that they could not do anything. I said the passengers will die. I posted photos on my Facebook ‘Aung Lay’ account saying I was praying to stay alive.”
He said the ferry carried more than 250 passengers and 18 motorcycles.
Dr Myint Naing, the regional chief minister, visited the search and rescue operations.
Than Nyunt Win, transport minister for Sagaing, said: “The rescue team will use a crane to lift the ferry off the riverbed. Then we will give a number for the missing passengers.”
Villager Win Kyi said: “I heard it at around 5am. It didn’t take long to sink. The ferry capsized. I shouted the villagers to help them.”
AFP, Facebook screengrabs, Reuters
