Boat capsize deaths reach 30 during monsoon season in Arakan State

By Admin 04 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

4 September 2026, Anjanapura

The death toll from boat capsizing incidents in Arakan State has risen throughout this year's monsoon season, reaching 30 fatalities between May and September.

The fatalities include nine people from Anjanapura and Myebon townships, 12 from Rathedaung Township, and nine from Taungup Township.

On August 30, a motorboat travelling from Ohphauk Village in Rathedaung Township to Nyaungchaung Village in Buthidaung Township capsized. Nine passengers were rescued, while one schoolteacher died in the incident.

“All passenger motorboats should carry life jackets or plastic containers for emergency flotation. Teachers cannot afford to buy life jackets because of their inadequate salaries. It would be best if United League of Arakan (ULA) could provide them,” said an education staff member from Buthidaung Township.

The fatalities from boat capsizing incidents include education workers, teachers, and students.

Travelers across Arakan State use both land and waterway routes. However, following the outbreak of fighting, residents have increasingly relied on water transport due to severe difficulties with land transportation.

As a coastal region, Arakan State experiences annual boat capsizing incidents caused by monsoon flooding, heavy waves, and strong river currents.

“During this period, extra caution should be exercised when traveling by water. Nature is unpredictable, and river currents in Arakan State are notoriously swift. Special caution is needed when high tides coincide with heavy rain and strong winds, such as seeking shelter in a safe creek branch,” said a local man in Werathani Township.

Because water transport carries significant risks during the monsoon season in Arakan State, travelers are advised to exercise heightened caution to prevent avoidable loss of life caused by negligence.