27 dead in China boat capsize

Rescuers have found 27 bodies after the boat sank in a river at Youxi Town in Yuechi county.

At least 27 people, including many children, are confirmed dead after an overloaded boat capsized in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local officials said on Thursday.

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Rescuers have found 27 bodies after the boat sank on Wednesday in a river at Youxi Town in Yuechi county.

Only seven passengers could be saved from the overloaded boat, which was being used to illegally ferry passengers, although it was registered to carry only two passengers, investigators said.

Rescuers have not yet obtained the exact number of passengers on the boat, which is privately owned by a local farmer, Xinhua news agency reported.

The victims were heading back to their villages after attending a fair.

Several old people and children are among the dead, it said.