The 2010 West Bengal Ferry Sinking was an incident which occurred on Saturday, 30 October 2010, when an over-crowded ferry carrying Muslim pilgrims sank after hitting a sand bank on the Bhagirathi River in the Indian state of West Bengal.[1] Thus far at least 74 bodies have been recovered, with many more missing, feared swept downstream.[2]
Accident
The ferry, which had a listed capacity of 60,[3] capsized and sank in rough waters whilst ferrying Muslim pilgrims back from a religious festival down the Bhagirathi River. It is believed up to 150 people, more than double the capacity, were on the boat at the time.[4]
The Indian Navy was called in to help with the rescue, with Navy divers and local fishermen helping to rescue survivors from the river as well as collect deceased bodies.[5][6]
A protest was staged on a jetty near the accident site by frustrated locals who believe the government was too slow to react to help with the disaster,[7] despite the Navy's committing a helicopter as well as personnel to help look in case against all likelihood there are more survivors.[8]
References
- ↑ Death toll in India ferry accident at 41. Cape Argus(November 1, 2010).
- ↑ WB: 18 dead as boat capsizes in Buriganga river. OneIndia(30 October 2010).
- ↑ Back to Google News At least 16 dead, 70 missing as Indian ferry sinks. AFP(31 October 2010).
- ↑ Ferry Accident kills 30 in West Bengal. News24(November 2, 2010).
- ↑ India Ferry Accident Kills 50. VOANews(1 November 2010).
- ↑ Death toll now 20 in India boat sinking. Sydney Morning Herald(November 1, 2010).
- ↑ Death toll hits 50 in Indian ferry sinking. Sydney Morning Herald(November 2, 2010).
- ↑ 18 dead in India ferry sinking. News.com.au(November 1, 2010).