At least 32 bodies were recovered by rescue teams after a ferry packed with teachers, students and workers capsized in central Myanmar, a local official said on Monday. Rescuers expect to find scores of bodies as they still continue the search process.
Authorities say a total of 154 people have been rescued but they fear the death toll could reach 100.
The vessel sank early on Saturday en route from the town of Homalin to the city of Monywa. The search teams have located the sunken boat in Chindwin River.
"So far we have found 14 dead bodies from the river, but we still need to identify them," Sa Willy Frient, director of the local relief and resettlement department, told AFP.
He added: "It was mainly university students and school teachers on the ferry that day. I think around 70 or 80 university students and about 30 school teachers, and also doctors."
While speaking to the reporter, Frient estimated that the boat was carrying 240-250 people, around 100 more than what it is meant to carry.
