Despite the rapid growth and development of the past few decades, Cambodia is still recovering from its war-torn past. Among the most tragic reminders of the violence that once tore the Kingdom apart is the ongoing threat presented by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). 

Increasingly, a new generation of women is stepping into the demining roles that were once reserved for men, redefining bravery and commitment in the process.

This perilous work is not restricted to the fields and jungles of former battlefields, but extends to the serene yet treacherous waters of the Mekong River.

In a seemingly calm stretch of the river south of Phnom Penh, a young woman named Siv Linda is part of an elite team, undertaking one of the most dangerous yet least understood tasks in the world: underwater demining. 

Her dedication to her critical work is unyielding, and her story is a testament to the courage and resilience of those committed to making Cambodia safer for future generations.

Linda, now 21, is a member of the Special Salvage Dive Unit (SDU), which operates under the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). 

Diving with danger

Her task is formidable – retrieved UXOs from the riverbed and the wrecks of sunken vessels, ensuring that local communities can live without fear of these deadly legacies of the past.

Equipped with specialised diving gear, she conducts regular dives into the murky waters of the Mekong in Kandal province’s Leuk Daek district, ready to confront the remnants of war that have long threatened the lives of her fellow citizens.

Linda (second from right) joins a training session at sea. Supplied

The team recently began employing a technique called surface-supplied diving – a method that uses an umbilical hose connected to a surface air system rather than self-contained SCUBA tanks. This allows them to spend longer underwater, where they regularly work at depths of more than ten metres.

“For me, breathing through a hose is easier than using an oxygen tank because it doesn’t involve as much equipment. It does, however, require very specific training,” she explained, highlighting one unique aspect of her role. 

The advanced training they receive is crucial in preparing Linda and her teammates for the challenges they face underwater.

The dark, turbulent waters of the Mekong often render visibility to near zero, forcing divers to rely entirely on their sense of touch.

“In these months, as the water rises, it becomes dark, and we can only rely on our hands to touch objects underwater,” she explains.

Despite the daunting conditions, Linda’s commitment to her mission never wavers. 

“There were two driving factors that motivated me to become a deminer: love for my country and the chance to contribute to its development and the safety of its people,” she says, with quiet resolve. 

Linda prepares to descend into the depths of the Mekong River, in search of UXOs. Supplied

This sense of duty has guided her through the most challenging moments, including the initial fears she faced when she first joined the demining team.

Determined to make a difference

“When I joined the demining staff, I was aware of the dangers involved in underwater demining but was determined to gain experience,” she recalls.

Her family, though concerned for her safety, offered their unwavering support.

“They are happy and proud of the work I do, and many people from my village praised the courage it took to work in demining,” she adds.

However, not everyone was as supportive; some friends questioned her choice, warning her of the risks. 

Yet, Linda remained steadfast. “If they can do it, I can do it,” she told herself, echoing the resilience that has become her hallmark.

Her training, which lasted two months under the guidance of expert instructors, was pivotal in preparing her for the realities of underwater demining. 

“The theory I have learned – and am learning – is being applied with the utmost care, so I have no fear,” says Linda, who first became expert in diving with air tanks and is now practicing surface-supplied diving.

Linda (left) prepares for another foray into the Mekong River. Supplied

Her experience with surface-supplied diving, though still in its early stages, has already tested her in ways she could not have imagined. 

She vividly recalled a harrowing incident where her air line became entangled during a dive. 

“At that time, my air line got tangled up, but I stayed calm and focused because panic wouldn’t help,” she recounts. 

It is her ability to stay calm under pressure that has enabled Linda to succeed in a field where even a moment of hesitation can be fatal.

Lessons from a veteran

Sok Chenda, the leader of the SDU and a seasoned expert in the field, has been instrumental in shaping the unit’s success. 

Nine years ago, he made headlines when he played a crucial role in extracting a 500lb Mark 82 aircraft bomb from the Mekong’s depth – a significant achievement in Cambodia’s ongoing battle against UXOs. 

Today, he leads a team of 12 women, including Linda, all of whom have undergone rigorous training in demining techniques, swimming and diving, with some also trained in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) skills.

Linda leaves the safety of a vessel to descend up to 10m in search of UXOs. Supplied

Chenda believes that including women in such roles not only promotes equal employment opportunities but also contributes significantly to the development of the Kingdom.

“The SDU currently has 12 women. Five are part of the non-technical and technical research team, four are in the underwater demining team and three are focused on scanning for bombs and UXOs from the water’s surface,” Chenda proudly tells The Post.

Three deputies are responsible for supply operations, research and development. 

They manage operations, command and control, including the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) team, the trawler team, the EOD team, the battlefield clearance team and the underwater operation site team.

“We've received strong support from Heng Ratana, the Royal Government delegate in charge of CMAC. He actively advocates for women's participation in the workforce and ensures their health and interests are well-protected,” adds Chenda. 

However, Chenda acknowledges the challenges they face, including fast currents, adverse weather conditions, murky water, hidden dangers like shipwrecks and a lack of funds and modern technology. 

Despite these obstacles, from March 2022 to July this year, the SDU team has cleared 25,016 UXOs and mines, as well as 236 tonnes of shrapnel and ammunition.

Linda, who now has a year of experience under her belt, is undeterred by the dangers she faces. 

Linda undergoes surface-supplied diving training in the murky waters of the Mekong during rainy season. Supplied

Her willingness to volunteer for similar missions abroad, should the need arise, underscores her commitment to the cause. 

A ‘woman’s job’

As a Cambodian woman in a field traditionally dominated by men, Linda has had to overcome additional hurdles, but she is proud of her achievements and determined to continue.

“If men can do it; I can do it as a woman,” she declares, sending a powerful message to others who may be considering a similar path. 

“If you are interested in a career like mine, you must be brave and have confidence in yourself and your actions.”

For Linda, the pride she feels in her work is matched only by the satisfaction of knowing she is making a difference in her community and her nation.

“I am proud and happy to work as a deminer and contribute to my country’s safety,” she concludes, her words resonating with the quiet strength of someone who has faced danger head-on and emerged victorious.