Dozens feared dead as Bangladesh ferry sinks

A ferry carrying up to 140 passengers capsized in central Bangladesh yesterday after being hit by a cargo vessel, killing at least 48 people.

A rescue operation was last night under way on the Padma River, about 40km north-west of the capital Dhaka, but it is not clear how many people remain missing.

The ferry was struck by the cargo vessel at the Daulatdia-Paturia crossing, fire department official Shahzadi Begum said. Rescue teams were deployed and passing boats are helping in the operation.

The ferry, the ML Mosta, was submerged at a depth of up to 20ft, inspector Zihad Mia, who is overseeing the rescue operation, said. By last night at least 48 bodies had been recovered.

Mr Mia said officials are yet to determine how many passengers are missing.

Ferries in Bangladesh do not usually maintain formal passenger lists.

“We don’t have a clear picture about how many were exactly in the ferry when it sank,” Mr Mia said.

“But I think many have survived.”

Jewel Mia, an official from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, told reporters at the scene that up to 140 people were on board when the ferry sank.

A passenger who survived said many people got trapped inside when the ferry sank.

Mr Sheikh said the cargo vessel hit the middle of the ferry.