Ferry crash death toll rises to 66 in Bangladesh

Recovery ships pulled a ferry to shore after sinking on Tuesday while carrying around 200 people and plan to re-float even after the death toll is currently at 66.

Rescue workers have found 66 bodies during their search on a ferry in Bangladesh and many more are thought to still be trapped inside.

Following a collision with a small oil tanker in the Meghna River, some 50 people swam from the Shariatpur-1 ferry to safety.

The ferry had almost turned upside down after colliding with the tanker and many passengers only managed to escape by jumping through the windows.

Some of those reaching safety said the ferry was overcrowded and was carrying dozens of sacks of chillies.

Scores of people are killed on a yearly basis in Bangladesh due to ferry accidents which are not uncommon on the vast river network.

Hundreds gathered on the river banks as bodies were pulled from the water during the rescue operation.

It is impossible to calculate the exact number of people on board because passenger lists are rarely compiled and many tickets are bought when on board Bangladeshi ferries.