One dead, eight missing after boat carrying education staff capsizes in Taungup Twsp

By Admin 01 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

1 August 2026, Taungup

One person has been confirmed dead and eight others remain missing after a motorized boat carrying education department staff and teachers from the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) capsized in Taungup Township, Arakan State.

At least 13 people were aboard the vessel when it encountered rough seas while traveling from Phaungkhar Village to Pantin Island at around 5 p.m. on July 31, causing the boat to capsize.

"They were traveling for a meeting regarding salary matters for education staff. One body has been recovered and eight people are missing, while four survived," said a Taungup resident close to the education community.

The deceased was identified as Daw Pa Pa Soe from Ale Tan Village on Pantin Island.

The missing are U Tin Tun and Ma Aye Aye Mu from Ngakarkaing Village; U Phyo Lwin and Ma Ei Phyu from Ale Tan Village; Ko Myo Min Tun, U Zaung Win Hlaing and U Nyi San Chay from Napinchaing Village on Kaleintaung Island; and U Pyae Sone Hein from Phaungkhar Village.

ULA/AA officials and family members are conducting search and rescue operations for the missing passengers.

As a coastal region crisscrossed by rivers and waterways, water transport is widely used across Arakan State, where fatal boat accidents occur almost every year.

On June 15, a passenger boat from Rathedaung Township capsized near Ponnagyun Town, killing 11 people, including five women.

"We frequently hear heartbreaking news of lives lost in boat accidents. I urge both regular passengers and boat operators to always carry life jackets," said a Taungup resident.

Residents also said the ULA/AA should strengthen enforcement of water transport safety measures, including inspections to ensure boats carry life jackets, are seaworthy, and are not overloaded.

"There are already regulations requiring boat owners to provide life jackets and avoid overloading. Local authorities under the ULA/AA need to strictly monitor and enforce water transport safety," said a woman from Ramree Township.

Under maritime regulations, passenger boats and motorized vessels are required to carry sufficient life jackets and other life-saving equipment for everyone on board.

Failure to provide adequate safety equipment or to require passengers to wear life jackets can result in the revocation of vessel licences and legal action under the Penal Code.