Fishing Boat Capsizes on Mekong River, Chiang Rai, 3 Survive, 2 Missing

Picture of rescuers searching on the river.

A fishing boat capsized in the Mekong River, leaving three survivors and two individuals still missing. The incident occurred amidst swirling waters and strong currents, making search and rescue efforts extremely challenging.

At around 05:00, September 5, Mr. Udom Pokpongborakul, the district chief of Chiang Khong, received an urgent report from the village headman of Wiang subdistrict that a group of five local Thai fishermen had set out on a boat from Don Mahawan village, Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province. Their destination was a popular fishing spot on the Mekong River.

The boat capsized near the sand pumping station on the Lao side of the river, opposite the Naga Shrine, an area known for its treacherous waters. The exact location of the accident is near the border between Ban Pak Ing, Sri Don Chai Subdistrict, Chiang Khong District, and Ban Cham Pong, Lai Ngao Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai.

Three survivors were rescued, Mr. Thanawat (29), Mr. Boonrat (36), and Mr. Samrit (29), who was taken to Chiang Khong Hospital for a medical check-up. All three survivors are residents of Wiang

Subdistrict, Chiang Khong. However, two men remain missing: Mr. Natthawat (29), a fellow resident of Wiang Subdistrict, and Mr. Assanai (42), from Satharn Subdistrict, Chiang Khong.

Immediately after the incident, Mr. Udom coordinated with the Mekong River Security Unit (NRU) and local rescue teams to launch a search operation. The site of the accident is known for its dangerous whirlpools and deep waters, significantly complicating the rescue mission.

In a statement, Mr. Udom explained that he had already briefed the provincial governor on the situation. He also reached out to the police and water security teams stationed in Wiang Kaen District for additional support in locating the missing individuals. Further assistance from the Siam Ruamjai Foundation’s water rescue team, and boats being dispatched from Chiang Rai city to assist in the search.

Authorities plan to interview the survivors to determine the exact cause of the boat’s capsize and understand how the incident unfolded. The rescue efforts are ongoing, with hopes fading of locating the missing fishermen in the difficult conditions.

-- 2024-09-06

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