KANDAL: Prime Minister Hun Sen attended the National Assembly session on Friday morning, 14 October, to elect Dith Tina as the new Minister of Agriculture, during which, he gave a message expressing his deepest condolences to the families of the victims who passed away after a ferry boat sank in Kandal province on Thursday night, 13 October.

"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families who lost their children and grandchildren in the ferry that sunk carrying students from school to their homes in Kampong Phnom commune, Leuk Daek district, Kandal province, on the night of 13 October 2022, causing many deaths, while some have been rescued and sent to the hospital, and some are still missing,” said Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The Prime Minister has ordered all relevant authorities to continue searching for the victims and to help the relatives of the dead victims in this most difficult time.

"People, especially those living along the river, be very careful when the floods are increasing,” he further added.

As of 9 am on Friday morning, authorities have found the bodies of two more students after a ferry boat sank in Kandal province on Thursday night, 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, carrying 15 students who had been returning home after attending an English class.

According to Kandal Provincial Police Commissioner, Chhoeun Sochet, authorities are still searching for the three remaining missing students: 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.

On Friday morning, the First Deputy Chairman of the Disaster Management Committee, Kun Kim, and Police Commissioner Chhoeun Socheat, arrived at the scene where the boat sunk, while leading several forces searching for the missing students.

This ferry boat sinking incident is considered one of the most tragic and saddest days for the people of Leuk Daek district, Kandal province. The incident also coincided with National Disaster Management Day.