E-Paper
Ferry accident in Bangladesh death toll rises to 39
The death toll in the ferry accident in Bangladesh rose to 39 on Friday as the rescuers wound up search and rescue operations.
The death toll in the ferry accident in Bangladesh rose to 39 on Friday as the rescuers wound up search and rescue operations.
The rescue team worked through the night with divers to raise the sunken vessel, MV Saurav, which capsized after colliding with another in Buriganga River on Thursday.
Police said 31 bodies were recovered on Thursday night and eight others were trapped in the boat.
A policeman, who witnessed the accident, said some 70 people jumped off the vessel and swam to safety. "The ferry rammed into a sand-laden trawler and sank," he said.
The ferry, which was carrying about 150 people, was hit from behind by a boat transporting sand and quickly sank in 50 feet deep water.
Among the victims were 16 women and eight children, officials said, adding a high-powered committee has been formed to investigate the accident.
Officials said that more than 100 passengers had swum to safety and returned home without informing them.
Ferry accidents are frequent in Bangladesh especially in the monsoon season.
