Laos Ferry Capsizes on Mekong River
A ferry transporting 118 tourists and 29 locals, including four crew members, capsized on Thursday in the Mekong River between Huay Xay and Luang Prabang, Laos. The vessel reportedly struck underwater rocks, leading to its rapid sinking.
Incident Details
Passengers described a rapid onset of the incident, with the ferry beginning to sink within minutes of impact. Reports from passengers, including French citizen Anthonin Levelu, indicated the presence of approximately 15 life jackets on board.
Initial rescue efforts involved a second passing boat, as the first did not stop. British tourist Bradley Cook noted that as the rescue boat approached, passenger movement on the capsizing ferry contributed to water entering the hull more quickly. Passengers were observed climbing onto the roof, swimming, or being pulled onto the rescue vessel. A total of 144 individuals were rescued.
Casualties and Search Operations
Lao media reported on Monday the recovery of the body of Pany Her, a local woman. Search operations for her two children are ongoing. Mr. Levelu had observed a mother and two children on the ferry who were not seen on the rescue boat.
Passenger Accounts
Anthonin Levelu, who was assisting with luggage retrieval, confirmed observing the Lao mother and her two children prior to their disappearance. Lithuanian tourist Gabrielius Baranovičius described initial lightheartedness that changed to concern upon realizing the vessel was sinking. He reported assisting others in the water onto the rescue boat.
Bradley Cook described the experience as challenging and prompted him to leave Luang Prabang. He indicated intentions to file insurance claims for damaged belongings and lost currency, while acknowledging uncertainty regarding liability. He characterized the event as an unforeseen incident.
Context and Previous Incidents
Tens of thousands of tourists annually utilize slow boat and speedboat services along the 300km Mekong River route connecting Huay Xay, Pak Beng, and Luang Prabang. This incident is not isolated; in September 2023, a passenger boat on the same river corridor capsized in Pakbeng district, resulting in three fatalities. That incident was attributed to the boat becoming entangled in a fishing net, leading to a loss of control and overturning in strong currents.