This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7849718.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Vietnam ferry accident 'kills 40' | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A crowded ferry has sunk on a river in central Vietnam, killing at least 40 people, officials have said. | |
The vessel sank in strong currents about 20m (65ft) from the bank of the Gianh river in central Quang Binh province, south of the city of Vinh. | The vessel sank in strong currents about 20m (65ft) from the bank of the Gianh river in central Quang Binh province, south of the city of Vinh. |
So far, 35 people have been rescued and at least five people are still missing. | |
Quang Binh police chief Phan Thanh Ha told the Associated Press the ferry had been loaded with 80 passengers, even though it had a capacity of only 12. | Quang Binh police chief Phan Thanh Ha told the Associated Press the ferry had been loaded with 80 passengers, even though it had a capacity of only 12. |
One of the survivors, Cao Thi Huong, told the VnExpress website that the accident happened when passengers stood up in a rush to get off the boat as it approached a pier at about 0800 (0100 GMT). | One of the survivors, Cao Thi Huong, told the VnExpress website that the accident happened when passengers stood up in a rush to get off the boat as it approached a pier at about 0800 (0100 GMT). |
Officials said many of those who drowned were women and children. | Officials said many of those who drowned were women and children. |
They had been crossing the river from the village of Quang Hai to go shopping ahead of the start of the Lunar New Year holiday. | They had been crossing the river from the village of Quang Hai to go shopping ahead of the start of the Lunar New Year holiday. |
The boat's captain and owner have been detained for questioning. | The boat's captain and owner have been detained for questioning. |