Myanmar ferry capsizes on Chindwin River: death toll reaches 51

Rescue teams have recovered 11 additional bodies from the Aung Soe Moe Kyaw ferry, raising the confirmed death toll to 51 after the vessel capsized on the Chindwin River in Myanmar's Sagaing Region. Salvage operations continued as cranes and heavy lifting equipment worked to raise the 40-ton ferry, allowing rescuers to search its interior compartments. By Wednesday evening, 5 of the vessel's 11 rooms had been examined, while ~70 people were still reported missing.

The ferry sank on Saturday, August 1st, while carrying an estimated 300 passengers, many of whom were university students, teachers and civil servants travelling home for a Buddhist festival. Preliminary findings indicated that the vessel may have struck a rock while approaching a village, although authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Regional officials reported that the salvage operation had been hampered by the condition of the wreck and the remains discovered inside the vessel. The recovery effort intensified after the stern section was raised, leading to the discovery of additional victims.

Police stated that 154 people had been rescued, but the number of passengers on board is believed to have significantly exceeded the ferry's authorised capacity. Local media reported that the vessel had departed Homalin bound for Monywa carrying both passengers and cargo beyond its intended limits. Four crew members have been detained as part of the investigation after authorities alleged that the ferry had been overloaded with passengers and freight.

Ferry accidents remain a recurring challenge in Myanmar, where river transport serves as a vital means of travel across the country's extensive inland waterways. Investigators are expected to continue examining the causes of the accident while recovery operations proceed.