Three dead, dozens missing, in Amazon river shipwreck

An Amazon river passenger ship crashed into two barges and sank, leaving at least three people dead and dozens missing, authorities said today.

The boat hit the barges late last night as it was travelling on a remote stretch of the Amazon en route to the jungle city of Manaus, said Capt. Antonio Braz of the Brazilian Navy. Manaus is 1,680 miles north-west of Sao Paulo.

Braz said he could not confirm how many people died, but the Agencia Estado news agency said three passengers were found dead and several suffered serious injuries. The boat was carrying 60 people and 26 were missing, Braz said.

The navy sent patrol boats and helicopters this morning to search for survivors, Braz said.