Ferry carrying 700 capsizes

2003-07-09 08:04

Dhaka - Many are feared dead or missing after a ferry carrying up to 700 passengers capsized in a southeastern Bangladesh river, it was reported on Wednesday.

State-run Bangladesh Television reported the sinking, but gave no details, but Dhaka's Jugantar daily said the ferry heading from Dhaka to coastal Bhola town was carrying up to 700 passengers when it sank in midriver near Chandpur shortly before midnight.

The daily said about 100 of the passengers were rescued by ferries and boats plying the Meghna River and searches were underway for survivors.

The ill-fated MV Nasrin-1 was overloaded and is thought to be lying about 60m under water, the paper said.

Ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh, which is criss-crossed by about 230 rivers. They are blamed mainly on overcrowding, faulty design or operators who ignore storm warnings.

Since 1977, about 260 ferry accidents have claimed the lives of more than 3 000 people.

- AFX