More than 300 feared dead in ferry disasters

The death toll after three Bangladeshi ferries capsized in stormy weather in a week increased to 146 today, rescue officials said, as hopes faded for 174 people still missing.

Eight more decomposing bodies were found floating downstream from the Padma River in Manikganj district, near the capital Dhaka, where a double-deck ferry capsized Tuesday with about 250 people aboard. Overnight, rescuers plucked five more bodies from the river.