27 dead, dozens missing in ferry accident

A vessel carrying 209 passengers in Northwestern Myanmar capsized on Friday, March 13, leaving over 27 people dead, officials said.

The ferry which was reportedly overcrowded encountered bad weather and was hit by huge waves on its trip from the coastal town of Taunggok to Sittwe, capital of the western coast state of Rakhine

The country’s Ministry of Information said twenty bodies have been found, while about 167 passengers have been rescued, but 47, including about 30 women are still missing.

Rescue teams helped by Myanmar’s navy are searching the capsize site for survivors.

According to Reuters report, residents in Taunggok, where the ferry embarked from, believe the toll will be higher, as the government-owned vessel would have carried unregistered passengers.

Boat accidents are common in the country’s river deltas and coastal regions due to bad weather, cyclones and the overcrowding of poorly-maintained vessels. People in Myanmar often travel by boat because of the low cost and as many parts of the country are inaccesible by road.