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67 missing after boat capsizes in Guinea-Bissau

A local official in Guinea-Bissau says at least 71 people were on board a wooden canoe that capsized on a river in strong winds.

Updated on: Jan 13, 2009, 22:54:39 IST
AP | By , Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
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A local official in Guinea-Bissau says at least 71 people were on board a wooden canoe that capsized on a river in strong winds.

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The passenger tally is nearly twice as large as initially reported, raising the possibility that the death toll could be far higher than expected. A total of 67 people are believed to be missing following Sunday's accident.

Raimundo Co is a member of a local organization representing villagers from the island of Pecixe, near where the canoe capsized. He said Tuesday a survey of residents indicates at least 71 people were on the boat.

Transportation Minister Jose Antonio Almaeda said earlier that three people had been rescued and one corpse had been fished out of the Geba River.