Death toll rises in Bangladesh ferry tragedy

At least 48 people, including a baby, have been killed after a ferry carrying about 140 passengers capsized in Bangladesh. A rescue operation is under way after the vessel collided with a cargo ship and began to sank, but it remains unclear how many passengers are missing.

We don’t have a clear picture about how many were exactly in the ferry when it sank - but I think many have survived.

Inspector Zihad Mia

Ferry disasters are quite common in Bangladesh. Overcrowding is common, and according to naval officials, 95% of small and medium-sized boats across the South Asian nation do not meet minimum safety requirements. In August, a ferry designed to carry 85 people capsized on the Padma River with more than 200 passengers on board - killing 100.

Asia-Pacific Bangladesh ferry