Body believed to be missing British woman, 21, found off Cambodia

[snoop1130]

Body believed to be missing British woman, 21, found off Cambodia

 

 

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodian authorities found a body floating near the Thai border on Thursday that is believed to be a 21-year-old British woman who went missing last week from a beach party in a coastal area popular with backpackers, police said.

 

Amelia Bambridge’s disappearance prompted a search with divers, land-based teams and police drones after her purse was found on a beach with her mobile phone and watch inside.

 

Cambodian maritime authorities located the body in waters near the Thai border, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) away from where she had disappeared last week, said Chuon Narin, police chief of the Preah Sihanouk province.

 

“The body is being transported by boat from the Thai border. It will take two hours to reach the mainland,” Narin told Reuters.

 

“According to the people who are transporting her body, it’s almost 100 percent her, looking at her body’s markings, including tattoo,” Narin said.

 

He said Bambridge’s family was with the authorities when they found the body floating amid some rocks off Koh Chhlam, an island in neighbouring Koh Kong province.

 

Narin said police will conduct an autopsy when the body reaches the mainland, adding that early indications pointed to drowning as the cause of death.

 

Bambridge was last seen on Oct. 24 leaving for a beach party on the island of Koh Rong, which is popular with backpackers, and was posting photos online until 3:23 a.m.

 

Bambridge’s brother, father and mother arrived in Cambodia on Sunday to join the search.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-10-31

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[mdmayes]

RIP girl.

[P Funk]

So sad... every parent’s nightmare. Girls, never go alone to travel or anywhere there might be a possibility of danger. It’s not “exciting”,.... it’s foolish. Don’t think of things as they should be but rather as it really is. The world is a potentially dangerous place and you don’t court it by traveling alone.

[geovalin]

Body of Amelia Bambridge found near Thai maritime border

 

Preah Sihanouk province – The body of 21-year-old British tourist Amelia Bambridge, who went missing after a beach party last week on Koh Rong island, was found floating 80 kilometres offshore yesterday. Koh Rong city Governor Nuon Bunthol yesterday said the body was found at about 4.30pm near Cambodia’s maritime border with Thailand. When asked if foul play was involved, Mr Buthol said her body swelled after being exposed to the sea for more than a week and no conclusions could yet be made.

 

Navy personnel retrieve the body. National Committee for Maritime Security

“We cannot make a conclusion right now because we are waiting for the result of an examination of her body,” he said. Vice Admiral Tea Sokha, deputy commander of the navy, said the body was initially identified based on a tattoo after being discovered by navy personnel taking part in the ongoing rescue efforts yesterday. “Her body was found about 80 kilometres from Koh Rong island where she went missing,” he said. “We were able to identify her based on the tattoo on her body and the clothes she was last seen in.”

 

read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50656433/body-of-amelia-bambridge-found-near-thai-maritime-border/

[Sheryl]

5 hours ago, P Funk said:

So sad... every parent’s nightmare. Girls, never go alone to travel or anywhere there might be a possibility of danger. It’s not “exciting”,.... it’s foolish. Don’t think of things as they should be but rather as it really is. The world is a potentially dangerous place and you don’t court it by traveling alone.

 

Why do people keep saying this?  What possible scenario is there whereby what happened to her could not have happened had she been travelling with others? 

 

In fact, by all accounts she befriended other backpackers and stayed very much with the group... which is how backpackers usually travel. But of course, at a party, people disperse a bit, people go off to the bathroom alone, etc. As they would even if  travelling as part of a family or a couple.

 

This idea that somehow what caused her death was the fact that she was a solo traveler is nonsense. It is not like she went off alone to a deserted spot. She walked in a large group to a public event.

[smedly]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Body believed to be missing British woman, 21, found off Cambodia

who dumped her in the sea

 

I'm sure we are going to find out the truth going forward...……………..not

 

we need a coroner from the UK involved in any post mortem just like it was needed in the slaughter and brutal murder of Hannah and David on Koh Tao

[DannyCarlton]

9 minutes ago, smedly said:

who dumped her in the sea

 

I'm sure we are going to find out the truth going forward...……………..not

 

we need a coroner from the UK involved in any post mortem just like it was needed in the slaughter and brutal murder of Hannah and David on Koh Tao

Are you discounting the possibility that she went for a swim when drunk?

[smedly]

6 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

Are you discounting the possibility that she went for a swim when drunk?

are you saying that is what happened ?

 

I am discounting nothing but I am up for a proper investigation which in SEA I will always question

 

if you trust authorities in Thailand or Cambodia then that is entirely up to you...……………..I don't

[holy cow cm]

So sad. And I agree with another post stating it is the mom and dad's worst nightmare.

[sirocco]

Hello, post 3; I understand very well your reaction, and I do not blame you.
But, from time immemorial, women are left alone.
Unfortunately, and even accompanied,
it does not prevent accidents, attacks, rapes, massacres.
And, actually, to be 2 or 3, it allows to defend, or to call the help.
From memory, remember the French who were attacked on a Thai island.
 The two women (mother and daughter) were raped and the brother and boyfriend injured. They were together.

Hua Hin, Khao Takiap, a Thai family had gathered on the rock, to throw the ashes of a deceased, to the sea.
A wave swept away people and one of them died.

Ditto for the two Scandinavian girls, raped and slaughtered in Morocco. They were together.

In the hope that this young English girl did not suffer too much, very, very sad for this 21-year-old girl who still had a lot to discover and who will be missed by the family who must be devastated.
 And no word will be strong enough to ease their pain.

[jany123]

Crimes of opportunity are less likely when more witnesses are at hand

 

accidents from misadventure are better dealt with when more witnesses are at hand.

 

solo traveling reduces witnesses and increase risks, for both men and women, however, this is especially true for women.

 

Safety in numbers is a saying for a reason.

 

my old man would never countenance either of my sisters hitch hiking.... my brother and I, not so much of an issue, and I would have thought the why of that obvious.

 

 

[DannyCarlton]

44 minutes ago, smedly said:

are you saying that is what happened ?

 

I am discounting nothing but I am up for a proper investigation which in SEA I will always question

 

if you trust authorities in Thailand or Cambodia then that is entirely up to you...……………..I don't

But you do jump to conclusions without knowing the facts. You asked, "Who dumped her in the sea" as if that was the only scenario that would have caused her body to be found in the sea. Several other scenarios, equally likely. Are you in the RTP by any chance? 555

[atyclb]

1 hour ago, smedly said:

who dumped her in the sea

 

I'm sure we are going to find out the truth going forward...……………..not

 

we need a coroner from the UK involved in any post mortem just like it was needed in the slaughter and brutal murder of Hannah and David on Koh Tao

 

imo cambodian does not have the "protect tourism" at any expense mentality as does thailand.  not sure if they have adequately advanced forensic capability though.

[Sheryl]

6 minutes ago, atyclb said:

 

imo cambodian does not have the "protect tourism" at any expense mentality as does thailand.  not sure if they have adequately advanced forensic capability though.

 

They do not have even basic  forensic capability, unfortunately.

 

This combined with how long she was in the water makes me fear the cause of death will not be known. Which will only add to the family's anguish.

[evadgib]

A UK coroner is automatically involved whenever a body enters their jurisdiction.

HTH

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, DannyCarlton said:

Are you discounting the possibility that she went for a swim when drunk?

 

No one can discount anything.

 

But by all accounts she was very cautious, sticking with and doing things with a  group.  Hard to picture her suddenly going off in the middle of the night to swim alone. Also, she did not take off her clothes.

 

I could perhaps feature a scene where she joined others in entering the water but if s,  these people should have come forward. And still odd not to have done so fully clothed.

 

Also hard to imagine anyone, even drunk, drowning in those calm and shallow waters. 

[DannyCarlton]

6 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

 

No one can discount anything.

 

But by all accounts she was very cautious, sticking with and doing things with a  group.  Hard to picture her suddenly going off in the middle of the night to swim alone. Also, she did not take off her clothes.

 

I could perhaps feature a scene where she joined others in entering the water but if s,  these people should have come forward. And still odd not to have done so fully clothed.

 

Also hard to imagine anyone, even drunk, drowning in those calm and shallow waters. 

How about "wandered off and fell off a cliff in the dark, whilst drunk"?

[sirineou]

 As a dad of beautiful, adventurous, wonderful daughter of that age I can only imagine of the nightmare  the parents must be going through.  My thought are with them.

[Sheryl]

3 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

How about "wandered off and fell off a cliff in the dark, whilst drunk"?

 

Would have to wander pretty far to get to cliffs of any height along the water from there. Certainly seems an odd thing to do on one's own.

 

If she were heading back to her hostel and attempting to do so along the shore (unlikely but not impossible) she would surely  have taken her pack with her.

[sirineou]

49 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

How about "wandered off and fell off a cliff in the dark, whilst drunk"?

 IMO all this speculation is inappropriate and unnecessary. 

This beautiful young lady with all the potential for a great life is no more, And the parents who wished her away to a wonderful vacation, with all the anxiety a parent feels when their litle girl goes away,(she is always your litle girl) waiting for her to come back . share stories of adventure and view pictures, now have to deal with their worst nightmare  realized . 

What does it matter to anyone  how ,and why it happened? How about some compassion and respect for the family?

[DannyCarlton]

1 minute ago, sirineou said:

 IMO all this speculation is inappropriate and unnecessary. 

This beautiful young lady with all the potential for a great life is no more, And the parents who wished her away to a wonderful vacation, with all the anxiety a parent feels when their litle girl goes away,(she is always your litle girl) waiting for her to come back . share stories of adventure and view pictures, now have to deal with their worst nightmare released. 

What does it matter to anyone  how ,and why it happened? How about some compassion and respect for the family?

If you read back through my posts, I think you'll find that I agree with you. I was trying to end the speculation from someone who insinuated that she had been thrown into the sea.

[sirineou]

1 minute ago, DannyCarlton said:

If you read back through my posts, I think you'll find that I agree with you. I was trying to end the speculation from someone who insinuated that she had been thrown into the sea.

My apologies.

[sawadee1947]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

They do not have even basic  forensic capability, unfortunately.

Give evidence please ????

[DannyCarlton]

2 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

Give evidence please ????

If you read up on the Koh Tao murders you'll find that the woeful handling and interpretation of forensic evidence was a prime factor in shedding doubt over the conviction of the 2 Burmese.

[Sheryl]

Not sure what sort of thing you would consider "evidence".  I work in the health sector here and have for over 25 years, since the very start of rebuilding the health system through today. Believe me, I know.

 

https://english.cambodiadaily.com/news/dearth-of-forensics-makes-justice-evasive-3-112581/

 

The documentation Center of Cambodia (researching into deaths under Pol Pot) has always had to bring in foreign forensics specialists since there is not a single one in Cambodia. 

 

The medical school does not teach it.  Even basic non-forensic pathology is largely lacking. Local doctors and hospitals send specimens needing path exam abroad.

[CanterbrigianBangkoker]

40 minutes ago, sirineou said:

 IMO all this speculation is inappropriate and unnecessary. 

This beautiful young lady with all the potential for a great life is no more, And the parents who wished her away to a wonderful vacation, with all the anxiety a parent feels when their litle girl goes away,(she is always your litle girl) waiting for her to come back . share stories of adventure and view pictures, now have to deal with their worst nightmare  realized . 

What does it matter to anyone  how ,and why it happened? How about some compassion and respect for the family?

Quite right, I fully agree. Out of respect to the family (even if they won't see our comments) the decent and considerate thing to do is not to speculate too much at this time and of course to keep any such speculation respectful and restrained. It could be a case of a tragic accident or it could foul play, hopefully a cause of death can be determined either by Cambodian authorities, or if not, then by the UK coroner. 

 

I was hoping I would be proven wrong when I wrote the following comment earlier this week: -

 

'How terribly sad, it would seem - given the circumstances - that she is most likely gone from this world. As a father of a beautiful young daughter of the same name I can at least understand to some small extent the anguish that the Bambridge family must be feeling at the moment. It is every parent's biggest fear that this will happen to their beloved child.... 'I sincerely hope to be proven wrong and hear that Amelia is found safe and sound, but my heart breaks for her loved ones who must be experiencing the purest kind of turmoil right now. I wish them all the very best.'  28/10/19

 

- wasn't to be, I guess. Sincerest condolences to her family. Just tragic, may she RIP. 

 

[metempsychotic]

4 hours ago, Sheryl said:

 

Why do people keep saying this?  What possible scenario is there whereby what happened to her could not have happened had she been travelling with others? 

 

In fact, by all accounts she befriended other backpackers and stayed very much with the group... which is how backpackers usually travel. But of course, at a party, people disperse a bit, people go off to the bathroom alone, etc. As they would even if  travelling as part of a family or a couple.

 

This idea that somehow what caused her death was the fact that she was a solo traveler is nonsense. It is not like she went off alone to a deserted spot. She walked in a large group to a public event.

Thank you, the fact is some believe that women should stay home and those who don't are somehow liable for any accident or foul play they encounter. 

 

These AR generally the same people who believe rape victims brought it on themselves. 

[Dumbastheycome]

1 hour ago, DannyCarlton said:

How about "wandered off and fell off a cliff in the dark, whilst drunk"?

Slipped and fell  on wet rocks while taking  drunken selfies?

[atyclb]

3 hours ago, DannyCarlton said:

3 hours ago, smedly said:

who dumped her in the sea

 

I'm sure we are going to find out the truth going forward...……………..not

 

we need a coroner from the UK involved in any post mortem just like it was needed in the slaughter and brutal murder of Hannah and David on Koh Tao

Are you discounting the possibility that she went for a swim when drunk?

 

a competent post mortem exam is the way to ascertain what happened or what did not happen

[jany123]

1 hour ago, metempsychotic said:

Thank you, the fact is some believe that women should stay home and those who don't are somehow liable for any accident or foul play they encounter. 

 

These AR generally the same people who believe rape victims brought it on themselves. 

The fact? That’s total rubbish... especially paragraph 2.... insulting rubbish at that.

 

my partner wont go down to the local kebab place after dark, because of the number of bars in the immediate area, and the corresponding number of folk who may cause her harm or instigate foul play.

 

That’s her choice, not mine. It works against me as I have to go, but I respect her decision, which she claims to be based on safety... ie, not being alone in a potentially dangerous place.

 

Risk minimization is of significant import, and risk minimization is what most of those you criticize would be inferring.