International - Globescan

Many dead in twin ferry disaster

DHAKA: With the recovery of more bodies, the toll in the recent twin ferry disaster in Bangladesh rose to 112 on Thursday even as dozens of persons still remained missing. The ferry MV Raipura, which capsized two days ago during a storm near Aricha area, 64 km west of Dhaka, has gone deep into Jamuna river, making it difficult for navy and other divers to try to bring out bodies because of strong currents and bad weather, ferry officials said. So far 30 bodies of at least 150 passengers on board the ferry have been recovered and there were more bodies inside the vessel. "Yes, there are more bodies inside the fery,'' a fire brigade official said. Relatives of the dead hoped against hope to find the bodies of their loved one. ``I just want the body. He is dead and can't I have a last look at him?'' cried one woman in a television footage. Local officials said rescue vessel Hamza pulled up the other sunken ferry but some more persons were missing, possibly swept away by strong current of the river. Police said MV Prince sank in stormy weather near Patuakhali district as it was crossing the Tentulia river in Galachipa, 114 km southwest of capital Dhaka. Many were rescued or swam to safety. — PTI

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