Boat carrying aid for cyclone victims sinks

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says a cargo ship carrying relief supplies for more than 1,000 cyclone victims in Burma has sunk.

The IFRC says the boat travelling from Rangoon to Mawlamyinegyun, hit a submerged tree trunk and sank early this morning.

Spokesman Michael Annear said the incident was a big blow to the already slow relief work.

The IFRC said the crew members, including four staff from the Burmese Red Cross, managed to get to safety.