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BUILT
BY YARROW, GLASGOW
LENGTH 200 FT BREADTH 32 FT DRAFT 4 FT
SPEED 8
KNOTS (UPSTREAM) 10 KNOTS (DOWNSTREAM)
GROSS TONNAGE 427.46
ENGINES :
TRIPLE EXPANSION (16, 25.5 and 41 inches x 54 inches)
The last remaining paddler in Burma has been restored and was offering tourists the chance to tour the Bagan area on the Irrawaddy River. However, she has once again been falling into disrepair and is beached and out of service as is shown by these photos taken in February 2019 by Kevin Hoggett.
Above : Laid-up near Old Bagan in February 2019, the paddle steamer now appears only to float at high water and was reported by a local source as being "broken". Her future, therefore, now lies in the balance. Click here for more photos of Myat Yadana in February 2019 by Kevin Hoggett
On-line image gallery including on-board and engine shots : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO8257njQJc&t=1s
RV Myat Yadana began her life with the name "Minthamee"
when delivered to Burma for the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company from her builders, Yarrow of Glasgow in Scotland, one
of four arriving in the late 1940s (including Minlat, Mingalay and Mintha). Four
others (Maha, Mingyi, Mindon and Minnan were built at the same time by Denny's
at Dumbarton). These
ships helped replace the massive losses which were suffered in 1942 when much
of the fleet was scuttled to avoid the ships falling into Japanese hands - and
to obstruct the advancing enemy forces during World War II.
Minthamee
became the private "yacht" of General Ne Win (and was the only one
of her sisters to retain steam engines)
Local businessman U Khin Maung now owns the vessel and established
a tour company Phwa Saw Typical Village Travels and Tours to operate her. Phwa
Saw is a restored village open to tourists at Old Bagan to reflect the traditions of life
in the Bagan area of Burma. However, in 2019 the vessel is beached and out of service
See also Burma History
Another 2013 view kindly supplied by Malcolm Oliver