A cargo ship loaded with charcoal from the Htoo Han Thit company capsized on the morning of 15 July in the Chindwin River near Shwekyin Village in Kalewa Township of Sagaing Region.

According to reports, when the cargo ship carrying 1,751 tons of charcoal came near Zeedauk Village, Kinetaw Village-tract, its paddle wheel got blocked by floating timber. The vessel’s operator, identified as U Ko Naing (aka) U Aung Tin, lost control and the cargo ship capsized near Shwekyin Village after the hull sprang a leak. There were no confirmed casualties. Officials carried out rescue operations in the Chindwin River.

The Sagaing Region Department of Marine Administration had issued a whirlpool warning to vessels plying in the Chindwin River in the second week of June.—Win Oo (Zeyatine)

(Translated by La Wonn)