By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
26 November 2007
"My son's a very strong swimmer. He was with the Navy when he served his National Service. He's a sporty person who loves outdoor activities. He runs a lot too" - Poh Bock Tho, father of boat racer Poh Boon SanThe bodies of five drown Singaporean boat racers were sent home Monday, following a boat accident Friday that cast a pall over the annual Water Festival.
A boat of 22 Singaporeans capsized in the strong currents of the Tonle Sap River, following an exhaustive race. The bodies were recovered Sunday "one by one" about 2 kilometers downstream, said Nhim Vanda, first vice president of the National Committee for Disaster Management.
The body of a Cambodian, Touch Vorn, 38, a racer from Kampong Cham, was also found, Nhim Vanda said.
The accident was the worst in the history of the annual races. This year's festival had competitive racers from eight other Asean nations, among 440 boats.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Monday the government had committed a plane to return the bodies of the Singaporeans, and that the water currents would be studied ahead of next year's festival in the hope future accidents can be prevented.
It was possible the five Singaporeans who drowned did not know how to swim, he added.
9 comments:
What I don't understand that The country like Singapore, which annual income per capital stands at $24,500, failed to require her citizen to have life jackets during the boat race.
Khmers don't have this requirement because they can't effort.
Does Singaporeans think the same?
The water festival took place in Cambodia therefore we are the one to enforce it. We get to make that rules but we didn't. It was too bad that they did not wear life guard on their own.
We must require all boat racers to at least wear life guard with have enough rescue teams and ambulances stand ready for any emergency. Life is too precious. After it is in our country and we hold the responsibilities ensure everything is safe and sound.
They might be the good swimmers but you have think of this matter alot more. What requires that the boat even goes forward? Rowing requires a lot of muscles in the biceps and other parts in the arm. After the racers had rowed with all their might in the race, I'm sure their arms got very sore. The Tonle Sap is a powerful river mix in with the fact they are tired and fatigue spells disaster.
I got to see the video, this is bugging the hell out of me.
I hope someone will posted some video on youtube.com or pictures on photobucket.
Test it. Through into the strong current of water an exhausted dog see it she can keep his body afloat more than 10 mins? The only way to fight against strong current of water is to keep your body floating with life jacket or it will suck down.
True, but even with strong current you can still stay on the surface effortlessly, even though you will be washed away with the current. However, if the current sucks you down, then the life jacket may not does the trick.
Therefore, we need real testimonies from everyone: the 17 survivals and the rescuers as to exactly what happened, what they saw and felt.
It is my belief that everyone here is completely ignore the fact that FATIQUE played a major role when the boat capsized. When a person is restless and tired, your swimming ability won't help.
MOI
2:02, the boaters was only tired with their arms from rowing the long race, but they are not that tired with their legs. Therefore, the should be able to keep their head above water with their legs do most of the works and just a little bit of work from their arms. They don't need to swim. They just have to stay above water and yell for help as they float downstream with the current.
It's really sad that these people died. Especially Reuben Kee. He was a legend in his work. I wish that they wore a lifejacket or something. It's just too bad. Reuben Kee is great in his work.
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