Nine bodies found after boat sinking in Russia

Nine bodies have been recovered after an overloaded cruise boat sank in Russia’s Volga River, officials said today, but about 90 other people who were on the 50-year-old vessel are still missing.

The two-deck ship was carrying 185 people – 148 of them passengers going for a scenic trip on Russia’s most famous river – when it sank yesterday.

The boat was certified to carry a maximum of 120 people.

Emergencies Ministry spokeswoman Yelena Smirnikh said today that nine bodies have been found and 80 people rescued.

The boat sank in about 65ft (20m) of water.

The cause of the accident has not been determined.