YANGON: A ferry named Htihlaing Shin, docked at the Dawei Jetty on Strand Road in Mawlamyine Port, sank in the early hours of July 21, according to the Inland Water Transport Department.
An official from the department explained that heavy rain and strong winds overnight caused the vessel to collide with the port’s pontoon bridge. The impact damaged the ferry’s aging hull, leading to flooding and eventual sinking.
"According to port staff, the collision occurred around 1 a.m., causing an initial breach in the hull. By 4 a.m., the ferry began listing and it completely submerged by 9 a.m. Fortunately, there were no casualties," the official stated.
Authorities are currently securing the sunken ferry with mooring lines to prevent it from drifting with the current. Salvage operations will proceed under directives from higher authorities.
The Dawei Jetty where the incident occurred has a water depth of approximately 30 feet.
"During strong winds, we often hear ferries bumping against the pontoon bridge. This morning, we saw the ferry gradually tilt and sink," said a local resident near the jetty.
Though privately operated as a recreational cruise vessel along the Thanlwin River, the Htihlaing Shin ferry had suspended operations due to the monsoon season.
The Inland Water Transport Department confirmed that the Htihlaing Shin is a two-deck vessel under the Ayeyarwady and Thanlwin divisions of their fleet. - Eleven Media/ANN
