A ferry packed with about 200 people has capsized in a river in southern Bangladesh, drowning 18 people and leaving dozens more missing, according to the authorities.
Death toll expected to rise from initial 18 deaths after double-deck vessel capsizes near Dhaka
Police chief Mohammad Shahabuddin Khan said around 35 people were rescued after the double-deck ferry sank on the Meghna river after a collision with a cargo boat early in the morning. Divers have recovered 18 bodies from inside the sunken ferry, he said.
He said the dead included a young woman found cradling her baby.
"The death toll is likely to rise as more bodies are feared trapped inside," Khan said. "We will get a better picture of the casualties once the ferry is pulled out of the water."
Hundreds of anxious people gathered near the scene of the accident to look for their loved ones.
The MV Shariatpur-1 was travelling to the capital, Dhaka, from neighbouring Shariatpur district to the south-west. The accident site is in Munshiganj district, about 20 miles south of Dhaka.
Dulal Dewan, a survivor, described a scene of chaos as the ferry collided with the other ship. "I was awakened with a big jolt," said the businessman, who was asleep on the top deck. "I jumped into the river in darkness as the ferry started going down.
"In minutes there were screams all around. People were shouting for help."
Dewan said he was rescued by a nearby boat, but eight other family members travelling with him were still unaccounted for.
Estimates varied as to how many people were on board the ferry.
Khan put the number at close to 200, while Dewan said about 300 people were on board.
Ferry operators rarely keep a list of passengers. Most passengers buy tickets once on board.
Tuesday 13 March 2012
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/13/bangladesh-ferry-sinks-200-aboard
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