11 die in Bangladesh after trawler sinks

SUNAMGANJ: 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 says it is not clear how many are still missing after 40 to 50 passengers swam to safety following the accident.

Fire official Mohammaed Tarek says 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.