11 Perished In Bangladesh Ferry Accident

By Bimbo Ogunnaike with agency report

No fewer than 11 people were confirmed dead after a ferry capsized in the river of Buriganga in Dhaka, Bangladeshi capital, on Monday.

The Duty Officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters, Rozina Islam, who confirmed the incident, said “The bodies of 11 people have already been recovered,’’

The Dhaka-bound ferry “Morning Bird” capsized after it was hit by another launch “Moyur-2” in Buriganga river at Shyambazar area of old Dhaka at around 9.33 a.m. local time, “she added.

The ferry was reportedly carrying over 100 passengers.

According to her, search and rescue efforts are underway by the Fire Service and Civil Defence and other authorities adding that many passengers managed to swim ashore after the ferry capsized.

Islam said rescuers have been struggling against a strong current and choppy river waters.

Ferry and boat disasters are common in Bangladesh, which is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers.

Ferry is a key means of transport in the country and most of them are often overcrowded