Chiang Rai, Sept 4 (TNA) – A boat carrying dozens of people capsized in the Mekong River on Sunday, leaving nearly 30 people missing, local authorities said.
The incident occurred near the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province, Laos, when a boat carrying around 50 Myanmar nationals capsized. Rescuers have managed to save 10 people, but the search for the missing continues.
According to a local tour boat operator, the accident was likely caused by engine failure and strong currents. All passengers were not wearing life jackets.
“The boat was too small and overloaded, and no one was wearing a life jacket,” said Pol Col Tanat Chummano, the police chief of Chiang Saen district.
The boat was reportedly chartered by Myanmar nationals to travel along the Mekong River from Laos to Tachileik, Myanmar.
Despite search efforts, no additional victims have been found. It is anticipated that any unrecovered bodies will float to the surface in the next two days. – 819 (TNA)
