23 Dead in Bangladesh River As Ferry Capsizes After Collision

At least 23 people were killed on Monday when a boat capsized in Bangladesh’s Buriganga river. Image used for representation.

(Photo: Reuters)

At least 23 people were killed and dozens have gone missing after a boat capsized in Bangladesh's Buriganga river on Monday, 29 June. The boat capsized after colliding with another vessel, according to authorities.

Divers from the fire service subsequently arrived on the scene and began the rescue operation with the help of the BIWTA and the Coast Guard.

The incident took place near Dhaka's Shyambazar at around 9:30 am.

It is still unclear whether any people on the boat were able to swim to safety or not.

There were 50 onboard including three children and six women, according to multiple reports. As per an NDTV report, several witnesses saw many people stuck in cabins when the boat was sinking.

The boat, Morning Bird, was heading towards Sadarghat from Munshiganj when it collided with the Moyuri-2 vessel from Chandpur, said BIWTA transport inspector Md Selim.

The second ferry left the scene after the incident.

Ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh due to poor safety standards and most of the ferries are overcrowded while transporting people.

(With inputs from IANS)