YANGON: At least eight people have died with 18 others missing and 11 hospitalised over injury after a passenger ferry capsized in southern Myanmar, an official from the Myeik Fire Services Department said on Monday.
The accident occurred in Palaw Township of Myeik District in Tanintharyi Region, around 9:15 p.m. local time on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the official.
The accident was caused by a strong whirlpool, which flipped the ferry, he added.
"We are having difficulty obtaining further information due to poor weather conditions and internet connectivity in the area, " he said.
The number of deaths and missing persons may increase as rescue and search operations are still underway, he added.