KANDAL: As of 9 am on Friday morning, 14 October, authorities have found the bodies of two more students after a ferry boat sank in Kandal province on Thursday night, 13 October, increasing the death toll to eight. Four students have also been rescued and taken to the hospital, and authorities are still searching for three more missing people.

According to the Kandal Provincial Police, the boat is believed to have sunk because it was being driven at a high speed without caution, and because it was overloaded with passengers. Additionally, the boat had no life vests equipped for safety.

Most of the victims have been students between the ages of 12 and 14. The eight victims have been identified as Udom Mony, Son Sophat, Phat Tina, Phearum Davin, Pheak Pheanon, Chenda Julie, Phat Sokheng, and Chan Sokchim.

The ferry boat sunk around 6:30 pm on Thursday, 13 October, carrying 15 students who had attended an English class and were returning home by boat.

According to Kandal Provincial Police officer, Chhoeun Sochet, the authorities are currently searching for three remaining missing persons: a 14-year-old boy named Meas Sovanreach, a 13 year-old girl named Sovath Leakena, and a 12-year-old girl named Ry Srey Lin.