Death Toll From Bangladesh Ferry Accident Rises to 105

Posted March 14th, 2012 at 7:25 am (UTC-5)
Leave a comment

The death toll from a ferry accident in southern Bangladesh has risen to at least 105.

Authorities say there were more than 200 people on the ferry when it capsized Tuesday south of Dhaka after colliding with an oil barge.

A day later, divers continued to pull bodies from the wreckage in the Meghna River.

Hundreds of distraught relatives waited at the river's edge Wednesday for news of their loved ones. The recovered bodies were lined up along the riverbank for identification.

Police say divers rescued about 35 passengers and some 50 managed to swim ashore on Tuesday.

The ferry plunged 20 meters to the bottom of the river after being hit by the barge. On Wednesday, the wreckage was brought to the surface and rescue ships were towing the vessel to the bank.

Ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh due to overcrowding, unsafe vessels and lax rules.