2 dead, scores missing as ferry capsizes in Bangladesh

A ferry carrying about 100 people capsized after colliding with a sand-laden boat on Bangladesh's giant Meghna river today leaving at least two people dead and scores missing, officials said. The ferry sank in the Meghna river this morning after a sand-laden boat hit the vessel 'MV SM Sarash' carrying around 100 passengers was on its way to Chandpur from Narayanganj, officials said. Officials and police said about half the passengers managed to swim ashore or were rescued by nearby fishing boats while searches were underway for the missing as Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority officials said they had located the wreck of the sunken vessel at the midpoint of the Meghna River in Gazaria area of Munshiganj. "Bodies of a minor boy and a 15-year-old girl could so far be retrieved but rescue operation is underway with fire service divers and local volunteers searching for more bodies," deputy commissioner of Munshiganj Mohamad Saiful Islam Badal told