Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 07:30
AFP News Briefs ListBangladesh ferry death toll rises to 32, bodies recovered
Rescuers recovered 28 bodies on Tuesday after a ferry sank during a storm in northeastern Bangladesh, taking the confirmed death toll to 32, a police official said.
"Divers began work at first light this morning and found 28 bodies. We believe about 20 people are still missing," said Kishoreganj district police chief Mizanur Rahman.
Around 100 people were believed to be aboard the M.V. Nazimuddin when it went down Monday afternoon in the Ghorautra river.
Four bodies were recovered immediately after the accident.
A 100-strong team of fire service divers, army and police personnel were involved in the search operation, Rahman said.
Officials believe that about 50 passengers swam to safety but warned that with nearly two dozen people still missing the death toll could rise.
The scene of the accident is about 100 kilometres (60 miles) northeast of Dhaka.
Ferry accidents due to poor safety standards and overloading are common in Bangladesh, which is criss-crossed by a network of 230 rivers.
Images
File photo shows an overcrowded Bangladeshi ferry in Dhaka. 32 people have been confirmed killed after a ferry sank during a storm in the country's northeast
© 2007 AFP Farjana K. Godhuly
