More Than 50 Killed After Myanmar Ferry Sinks

By Aung Hla Tun

YANGON, March 14 (Reuters) – About 50 folks had been believed to have drowned off Myanmar when a ferry sank in unhealthy climate, authorities officers mentioned on Saturday, although residents mentioned they believed extra folks on the overcrowded vessel had died.

The boat had 209 folks on board when it bumped into excessive seas late on Friday on a voyage from the coastal city of Taunggok to Sittwe, capital of the west coast state of Rakhine, officers mentioned.

“Twenty bodies have been found while 27 are still missing. Rescue workers are looking for them,” Pyay Nyein, a senior official from the Inland Water Transport Department, informed Reuters.

A Ministry of Transport official mentioned the boat was swamped by large waves and 167 folks had been saved, although the lacking had been believed to be useless.

Residents in Taunggok, from the place the boat embarked, mentioned they believed the toll was increased because the ferry, which they recognized because the government-owned Aung Tagun-3, would have been crowded with many unregistered passengers.

“Normally, the number of tickets sold is not reliable when it comes to the number of passengers. That’s very common,” mentioned a Taunggok service provider who declined to be recognized.

“So the number of missing must be many more than 27. We understand the chances of finding them in this weather are very slim.”

Marine accidents are widespread in Myanmar the place many individuals need to depend on small, crowded and outdated boats for transport. (Editing by Robert Birsel)