11 die in Bangladesh after trawler sinks

Rescuers have recovered at least 11 bodies after an apparently overcrowded trawler caught fire and sank.
     
Officials said the trawler sank in the River Surma in northeastern district of Sunamganj on Monday night and by Tuesday at least 11 bodies had been recovered.
     
Local police chief Harunur Rashid said it was not clear how many were still missing after 40 to 50 passengers swam to safety following the accident.
     
Quoting survivors, Rashid said most of the passengers were day laborers, including women.
     
Local media reports quoted survivors as saying the fire originated from a stove.
     
Fire official Mohammaed Tarek said they are trying to salvage the boat, which was heading for neighboring Kishoreganj district when the accident happened.
     
Sunamganj district is 176 kilometers (110 miles) northeast of the capital, Dhaka.
     
Ferry accidents are common in low-lying delta nation Bangladesh because of overcrowding, faulty vessels and lax rules.


AP