DHAKA, Bangladesh — Families of scores of people presumed dead after their ferry capsized in central Bangladesh accused authorities on Tuesday of launching a feeble rescue effort and leaving their loved ones trapped inside the vessel for more than 24 hours.
More than 200 people were believed to be on board the M.V. Pinak when it capsized Monday. Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan told reporters Tuesday that at least 125 were presumed dead and 110 others either swam to safety or were rescued after the accident on the Padma river. Rescuers have not been able to find the capsized ferry because of strong currents, he said.
"Can't I expect the body of my sister? What are they doing? Nothing," said Monir Hossain, who traveled to the accident site to search for his sister.
Officials can only estimate the number of people on board because ferry operators in Bangladesh rarely keep passenger lists.
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more.