Bangladesh Ferry Tragedy : Death Toll rises to 70

23 Feb, Dhaka

The death toll in the Padma river ferry disaster in Bangladesh has risen to 70 as rescuers recovered 29 more bodies Monday . The search for missing 36 persons is still continuing.

The sunken vessel has been pulled out and taken to the Paturia terminal. The ferry carrying over 200 passengers capsized Sunday at Manikganj on the Paturai-Daulatdia route after being hit by a cargo vessel.

Local people joined the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation, Naval Police and the Coast Guard to launch a massive resuce and salvage operation. Manikganj Deputy Commissioner said at least 90 people were either rescued or swam ashore.

The Shipping Ministry has formed 2 probe committees to investigate the incident, with orders to submit their reports within 15 days.