Maritime News

A river fairy capsized and sunk in Bangladesh killing at least 46 passengers. Half the victims were children and many of the rest were women.

 
The boat was traveling on the foggy Daira River when it collided with another vessel while going around a bend. The accident occurred about 62 miles north of the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka.

 
Rescue operations are currently underway. The overcrowded boat was carrying over 80 passengers and it is expected that the death toll will rise.

 
Ferry accidents are not uncommon on Bangladesh rivers. Last week, an overcrowded ferry sank in southern Bangladesh killing more than 80 passengers after capsizing in a river in the Bhola District. The ferry was carrying over 1,500 people – three times its registered capacity. The over laden ferry hit a raised section of river bed and began taking in water.

 
Rescue operations are also underway for dozens of passengers involved in a ferry accident in Egypt. At least six passengers were seriously injured, and three are dead. Recent accidents have also occurred in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Tonga.

 
Ferry accidents occur in the United States as well. Last July, fifteen passengers were injured when a New York City ferry crashed into a pier.