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/south_asia/8383715.stm

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Ferry sinks in south Bangladesh Ferry sinks in south Bangladesh
(40 minutes later)
A ferry carrying more than 1,000 passengers has capsized in southern Bangladesh, police say. A crowded ferry carrying more than 1,000 passengers has capsized in southern Bangladesh.
The accident happened as the MV Coco-4 was approaching a river station near the town of Lalmohan on Bhola Island, a local police chief said. The accident happened when the MV Coco-4 arrived at the town of Lalmohan on Bhola Island.
The ferry was crowded and the weight of disembarking passengers caused it to tip and partially sink, reports said. The weight of disembarking passengers caused it to tip and partially sink, reports said.
At least 26 bodies have been recovered and police say they fear dozens more people are trapped. Police say at least 28 bodies have been recovered. About 100 passengers are missing and there are fears many of those were trapped underwater.
Divers searched for bodies on the lower deck of the triple-decked vessel, the emergency services said.Divers searched for bodies on the lower deck of the triple-decked vessel, the emergency services said.
"We have so far pulled out 26 dead bodies. Dozens more are trapped under water and are feared dead," district administrator Mejbahul Islam told the AFP news agency. "We have so far pulled out 28 dead bodies. Dozens more are trapped under water and are feared dead," district administrator Mejbahul Islam told the AFP news agency.
More than 50 people have so far been rescued alive by cutting open lower cabins.More than 50 people have so far been rescued alive by cutting open lower cabins.
Screaming people
Survivor Umme Kulsum Mittu said the launch was "absolutely packed".
She claimed matters were made worse because inspectors insisted on checking tickets in Lalmohan - even though the vessel was sinking.
I could not get out because the decks were so jam-packed... it was a nightmare from which I'm lucky to survive Shoaib Mesbauddin
"The law enforcement agencies in Dhaka should never have allowed such an obviously overcrowded vessel to sail, especially when the government has repeatedly pledged to stop this from happening," she said.
Another survivor Shoaib Mesbauddin, who was trapped in his cabin for three hours, said: "I could not get out because the decks were so jam-packed with screaming people trying to escape. It was a nightmare from which I'm lucky to survive."
Many of the passengers were travelling home from Dhaka to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.Many of the passengers were travelling home from Dhaka to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.
The MV Coco-4 is one of Bangladesh's largest inland vessels.The MV Coco-4 is one of Bangladesh's largest inland vessels.
Ferry accidents occur frequently in Bangladesh, and are typically blamed on unsafe, ageing boats and overcrowding.Ferry accidents occur frequently in Bangladesh, and are typically blamed on unsafe, ageing boats and overcrowding.
This ferry - like many others in Bangladesh - did not have a detailed passenger list so it is impossible to know exactly who is missing.


Are you in the area? Did you see the accident? Send us your comments on this story using the form below.Are you in the area? Did you see the accident? Send us your comments on this story using the form below.
A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions