Kyaukphyu man drowns in Maei Creek

15 Jan 2023

DMG Newsroom
15 January 2023, Maei

A 19-year-old man drowned in the Maei Creek in Maei town, Arakan State, at around 4 p.m. on January 14, according to sources close to the deceased.

The deceased has been identified as Maung Aung Moe Paw, a resident of Ayarshi Ward in Kyaukphyu. Maung Aung Moe Paw and four of his friends reportedly jumped off their boat while on a cruise of the Maei Creek when waters got rough.

“He [Maung Aung Moe Paw] drowned when we jumped off the boat when the current became strong while we were riding the boat. We rescued him, but he had already drowned,” said Maung Thar Gyi Aung, a friend of the deceased.

Maung Aung Moe Paw’s father, U Tin Aung Soe, said his son’s death was due to the fact that there was no one with knowledge of first aid nearby.

“If only the friends who were with him and the people around had known first aid, my son would not have died. People nearby helped and rescued my son, but they didn’t understand the method of first aid, so my son lost his life within 15 minutes,” said U Tin Aung Soe.

Maung Aung Moe Paw passed the matriculation examination with distinction in 2021.

U Tin Aung Soe said that to prevent further accidents and loss of human life, officials should erect warning signs about Maei Creek’s water depth and dangerous areas, as well as train emergency rescue teams and offer first aid training.

Maung Aung Moe Paw drowned while he and his friends were staying at a resort on their way to pay homage at the Maei Shaydawyar Pagoda. Maei has two historical pagodas and the Maei Jaing Resort is a popular destination for pilgrims and vacationers from all over Arakan State.