A father and his two children drowned on Friday when their houseboat sank in Siem Reap province.

Four other residents of the barge were rescued by the father, Ngvearng Yung Houng, 35, who dove to the bottom of the river to try to save his drowning children.

Eight-year-old Ngvearng Yung Neng, Houng’s son, and his 10-year-old daughter, Ngveang Thykim, were trapped in the house when Houng tried to save them.

But his efforts proved in vain and he got stuck in the house.

Mok Sam Aun, Siem Reap town police chief, said Houng had managed to rescue four family members, including a three-month-old baby.

“When it sank, the victim was able to help four [family] members including a three-month-old baby. He died because he tried to help two more children [escape] from the house. Unfortunately, his body got stuck to the roof of the house,” he said.

Police have yet to investigate.