At least 34 people died, with 13 still missing, after a passenger ferry sank off western Myanmar late Friday, the government officials said.
The Aung Takon 3 ferry was en route from Kyaukphyu to Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, when it sank in bad weather near Myebon. Rescuers have managed to save 167 people thus far.
Officials said the ship was carrying 214 passengers and crew, although local residents were reported as saying that the number could be higher on the account of possible unregistered passengers, a common practice in Myanmar.
The efforts to locate the missing have so far been hampered by strong winds and currents, and the chances of anyone being found alive after more than two days in rough seas are diminishing.
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World Maritime News Staff