The bodies of three youths who went missing in a drowning incident at a sandy stream in eastern Shan State have been recovered, local sources said.

The youths disappeared around 2 p.m. on February 13 while swimming near Mong Phone Village in Tachileik. After five days of continuous search efforts by social rescue teams and the Myanmar Fire Services Department, the bodies were found near the area where they had initially gone under.

Two bodies were recovered on the morning of February 17, followed by the third later that day, according to the Shwe Mae Yan social assistance group.

The deceased were identified as 16-year-old Maung Zin Lin Phyo and Maung Phyo Min Thant, residents of Wan Kaung Ward in Tachileik. Funeral services were scheduled to be held on the afternoon of February 17 at Ponelo Cemetery, according to the U Hla Moe Funeral Assistance Association.

Numerous local and cross-border rescue teams, including Thai rescue groups and community volunteers, took part in the joint search operation.