Canoe capsizes: 67 feared dead
2009-01-13 22:00
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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 on Sunday.
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 the accident.
Raimundo Co is a member of a local organisation representing villagers from the island of Pecixe, near where the canoe capsized.
He said on 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.
- AP