28 dead, many missing as Bangladesh ferry sinks

28 dead, many missing as Bangladesh ferry sinks

2011-04-22 03:33:45 GMT+7 (ICT)

DHAKA, BANGLADESH (BNO NEWS) -- At least 28 people drowned and dozens are missing after a ferry capsized on Thursday morning in the Meghna river in eastern Bangladesh, the Daily Star reported.

The ferry carrying some 200 passengers sank after colliding with a stone-laden trawler that had already tipped over in the river. Many passengers jumped into the river and swam ashore to safety.

Rescue services recovered the bodies with the help of locals, but abandoned the task later in the afternoon due to poor visibility. Police said five of the dead, including a six-year-old girl, could not be identified.

Bangaldesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock at the deaths and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.

The government has formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident.

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