It was supposed to be just another Thursday in Laos, where a French citizen, Anthonin, found himself among over 140 people on a ferry that capsized in the Mekong River. Most of the passengers were tourists, and although all but three managed to reach safety, the incident turned tragic as chaos erupted on board.
Videos circulating online depicted scenes of screaming and crying children, as passengers frantically sought their belongings. Anthonin recounted the panic of a mother and her two children, who were notably absent from the rescue efforts. Rescuers later confirmed that the body of a woman, named Pany Her, had been recovered, along with a body believed to be one of her children; the search for the second child continues.
The ferry was travelling from Huay Xay to Luang Prabang—a busy route favored by tourists—when it struck underwater rocks near the Pak Ou caves. Eyewitness reports indicated severe confusion among the crew, and Anthonin noted that only about 15 life jackets were available for the large number of passengers. As the vessel began to sink, those on board called for help, but assistance was slow to arrive.
British tourist Bradley Cook recalled how a passing boat’s arrival may have worsened the situation, as the shifting weight of anxious passengers hastened the ferry's sinking. Amidst the terror, some passengers found clever ways to reach the rescue boat, while others swam to safety.
The incident has raised questions about the safety standards of ferries operating in this region, especially given a similar capsizing incident that occurred earlier this year, claiming three lives. Tourists who frequent the Mekong River express a mix of shock and intrigue, underscoring the need for improvements in safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
