It was supposed to be just another Thursday in Laos, where Anthonin's father was born. Instead, the 30-year-old French citizen found himself among more than 140 people, mostly tourists, on a ferry that capsized in the Mekong River. All but three are thought to have made it to safety.
Videos online show a scene of chaos - people screaming for help, children crying, and passengers scrambling to get their belongings. Anthonin recalls seeing a mother and her two children on board the ferry - but they were nowhere to be seen on the rescue boat.
On Monday, Lao media reported that the body of a woman, named Pany Her, had been retrieved from the river. Rescuers then found the body of a one-year-old, believed to be one of her children. Efforts to find a second child are ongoing.
'Only 15 lifejackets'
The boat was making its way from the riverside town of Huay Xay to the historic city of Luang Prabang when it struck underwater rocks, causing it to sink rapidly. According to witnesses, there were only about 15 life jackets available for the passengers, highlighting serious concerns regarding safety measures on the ferry.
British tourist Bradley Cook described the panic onboard, stating that the situation worsened as a passing rescue boat approached, causing more weight to shift and water to enter the ferry more quickly. He and others managed to escape, but the experience was harrowing.
Despite the rescue, the loss of life has deeply affected survivors, who expressed their concerns for those who did not make it out, particularly the missing child.
This incident follows another tragic sinking in September 2023 and raises urgent questions regarding the safety protocols in place for ferry services along this popular tourist route.
