Myanmar worker feared drowned in Samut Songkhram river

A young Myanmar worker disappeared while swimming with friends near the central pillar of the Somdej Phra Sri Suriyen Bridge in Samut Songkhram. Despite rescue efforts, strong currents forced a pause in the search, which will resume today.

The 24 year old Myanmar worker, Hen Min Ko Ko, was enjoying a swim with three friends to cool off when he suddenly vanished beneath the water. The incident occurred around 9.30pm yesterday, August 12, near Wat Nang Wang pier in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram. Deputy Inspector Phasaworn Limpaiboon and a rescue team from the Sanprachin Foundation were promptly alerted and rushed to the scene.

The location, a construction site along the Maeklong River, posed significant challenges for the rescue team. Friends of Hen Min Ko Ko pointed out the exact spot where he had gone under, approximately 80 metres from the shore. The Maeklong River, with a depth of about 12 metres, is known for its cold and swift currents, which complicated the search efforts.

Rescue divers from various foundations, including Ratchanunuson Foundation and Prachanukul Foundation from Ratchaburi, joined the search, bringing the total number of rescuers to over ten. Despite their best efforts, the strong and increasing currents, due to the changing tide, made the search extremely difficult and ultimately led to the operation being called off at 1.10am. The team plans to resume the search this morning, hoping for calmer waters.

Myanmar translator Yatem-oh recounted the events leading up to the incident. Hen Min Ko Ko and his friends had been jumping into the river from the bridge’s central pillar to beat the heat.

Tragically, Hen Min Ko Ko became exhausted and sank before his friends’ eyes. They immediately called for help from those on the shore, prompting an urgent response from the rescue teams.

One of his friends revealed Hen Min Ko Ko was swimming with them and suddenly disappeared.

“We tried to find him, but the water was too strong.”

The Maeklong River, known for its rapid currents, posed a significant danger to the rescue mission. The authorities had to carefully navigate the risks of the fast-flowing water, which hindered their ability to locate Hen Min Ko Ko.

The rescue teams are hopeful that the calmer conditions in the morning will aid in their efforts to find the missing young man, reported Khaosod.