Dozens die as ferry sinks in Bangladesh storm

A crowded ferry sank during a tropical storm in northern Bangladesh, killing at least 42 people and leaving more than 40 missing.

The death toll from the accident could rise because some of those missing were feared trapped inside the sunken ferry, said local government administrator Sultan Ahmed.

At least 150 people were aboard the MV Chanpur when it was caught in the storm and sank in the Ghorautra River, said Mizanur Rahman, a police official in the area about 50 miles north of the capital Dhaka.

Citing survivors’ accounts, Mr Rahman said more than 60 people either swam to safety or were rescued by residents.

Rescuers recovered five bodies overnight and 37 more were found today. About 44 others were still missing.

Rescue work was suspended overnight and resumed today.

Such accidents are relatively common in Bangladesh, a tropical delta nation with about 250 rivers. Ferries are a common form of transportation.