Dhaka: A ferry carrying around 250 passengers sank in Southeastern Bangladesh early today (May 23, 2004) during a tropical storm and many were feared killed, police said.

Nearly 70 passengers were rescued after the overcrowded two-deck ferry sank at around 3 hrs (IST) at Puraan bazar near Chandpur port in the Meghna river, about 65 kilometres East of this capital city. Many were also able to swim ashore.

Eight bodies, including that of women and children were reported to have been recovered so far, they said. Most of the passengers were asleep when the accident took place and were feared to be trapped inside the vessel. Authorities have located the accident spot and a salvage vessel has been sent to carry out the rescue operation. The ferry, MV Lighting Sun was en route to Dhaka from the Southern Madaripur area when it capsized.

"Though the ferry sank close to the shore, the river is turbulent here and it is hampering the rescue operation," a police official said.

Three other ferries also sank during the storm today, media reports said. A small boat sank in the Meghna River, in another part of Chandpur district. All those on board swam ashore or were rescued by fishing boats.

The other two, capsized in the Padma river in Manikganj district, 25 kms northwest of Dhaka. The passengers were safe, reports said.

Ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh. At least ten people were killed and many injured when a ferry carrying over 100 people capsized in Bangladesh's Southern Bhola district on Friday (May 21, 2004).