Search and rescue workers in southern Bangladesh recovered 12 more dead bodies following a ferry accident, bringing the death toll to 39, police said Sunday. Local police chief Nuruzzaman Chowdhury told AFP many people were gathered on the banks of the river Kirtankhola waiting for news on missing relatives following Thursday's accident.
"So far we have found 39 dead bodies and we are expecting to find more. We do not know exactly how many people are missing but many relatives are asking police to find their loved ones," he said. The small ferry, carrying more than 100 passengers, was hit by a boat in early morning fog.
Boat and ferry accidents due to poor safety standards and overloading are common in Bangladesh, which is criss-crossed by a network of 230 rivers.