Myanmar ferry sinking death toll could surpass 100
Monday, 19 Oct, 2016
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Authorities in Myanmar said the death toll of a ferry sinking on the Chindwin River could reach 100 and hold out little hope of finding any more survivors.
The ferry sank on October 15 and was carrying more than 250 even though its capacity was for only 150 passengers.
It is unclear if any tourists were among the victims.
It was a local ferry service although the Chindwin River is popular for multi-day luxury river cruises.
Director of the regional relief and resettlement department Sa Willy Frient said: "So far we have recovered 32 dead bodies. We are trying to raise the boat using a crane after tying it with strong ropes. After we lift it out, the death toll will be higher."
Authorities said they detained four members of the ferry company’s staff and are currently trying to locate the boat’s owner.
Accidents caused by overloaded ferries are common in Myanmar but the latest could turn out to be the deadliest for many years.
Earlier this year 21 people died when a boat capsized off the west coast.
A year earlier, 52 people drowned when an overloaded ferry sank in rough waters in the same area.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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