Dhaka: Strong currents at the confluence of the rain-swollen rivers in Southern Bangladesh, where the ferry capsized with 750 passengers aboard leaving hundreds feared drowned, hampered efforts to salvage the vessel, officials said on July 10.

Only two bodies have been found till now. A third person succumbed to injuries in hospital later.

Around 220 passengers were rescued by locals and fishermen on July 8 night when the overloaded ferry sank while attempting to anchor at Chandarpur ghat after being sucked in a whirlpool at the confluence of Meghna, Padma and Dakatia rivers, private television channels reported.

The government on July 9 instituted a commission to probe into the mishap.

Several attempts to trace the sunken ferry believed to be around 200 feet deep in water have failed owing to heavy current, local officials said.

The salvage is expected to start on July 10 with the arrival of Hamza, the bigger salvage vessel.

Two ships are at the site of the accident trying to locate the ferry M V Nasreen-1. Navy divers are also helping with the rescue work.

"We have not been able to determine where the ferry is. Locating the ferry is our first job before any salvage operation can start," Abdul Rab Howalder, the area's government administrator said.

Black flags have been hoisted in many houses in Bhola district to mourn the tragedy as hundreds of relatives continued their vigil on the river banks in the hope of receiving some news of the victims.

PTI