Eight bodies, including three children, recovered after motorboat sinks near Kyaukkar Village

According to the Friendship Rescue Team in Myeik Township, Taninthayi Region, eight bodies have been recovered as of yesterday morning, following the sinking of a motorboat near Kyaukkar Village in Palaw Township. 

Among the deceased are three children under the age of ten. Of the eight bodies recovered, one remains unidentified. 

The others have been identified as 16-year-old Ma Zulu Hlaing Lin, 5-year-old Maung Phyo Ko Ko, 6-year-old Maung Aung Zway, 7-year-old Ma Zu Zu San, 17-year-old Ma Hnin Ei Kyaw, 13-year-old Maung Zway Myat Aung, and 15-year-old Maung Kwan Set Aung. 

They are reported to be from various villages, including Kyaukkar, Toe, Kawdwe, Pyin Nge, and Pala Town.

"We are still searching for the remaining people. Out of the 17 people on the list, eight bodies have been found. Two groups are continuing the search," said an unidentified official from the Friendship Rescue Team.

The motorboat capsized on October 21, with eight bodies found initially. By the morning of October 22, another eight were recovered, bringing the total number of bodies found to 16.

The motorboat sank near Kyaukkar Creek on the night of October 20, around 9 p.m., while traveling from Kyaukkar Village to Myeik Township.

"The boat had only been out for 15 minutes. It was overloaded, and strong winds, lightning, and poor weather conditions caused it to sink," said U Aung Thaw San, Chairman of the Shwe Yaung Nay Thit Rescue Team.

The boat was reportedly carrying over 80 passengers, including children returning home from their school break during the Thadingyut holiday, along with cargo.