Dhaka, July 11: Rescue workers fighting a strong current and heavy downpour have little hopes of finding more than 500 people missing after a ferry capsized at the confluence of three rivers in southern Bangladesh on tuesday night as nearly 15 bodies were recovered from Meghna river. However, efforts to salvage the ferry was continuing. All out efforts would be made today to salvage the sunken ferry as search for bodies both at private and administration levels continues not only in and around the accident site, but to a large area, Bangladesh radio quoted officials as saying. Of the 15 bodies recovered yesterday, four were found floating on the choppy Meghna river in Chandpur, 11 in Sadar, Daulatkhan and Borhanduddin areas of Bhola district. Two bodies were found soon after the mishap while one person succumbed to injuries later. Nearly 800 people were aboard when the ferry M V Nasreen-1 sunk. More than 250 people were rescued by locals and fishermen on Tuesday night.Strong current and heavy downpour have hampered rescue work in the river.

Despite engaging three salvage vessels including one from Bangladesh navy and a good number of divers, the ferry feared to be lying on the river bed around 200 feet under water could not be traced.

Bangladesh navy will press into service one of its high tech vessel today for the salvage work.

Shipping Minister Akbar Hossain yesterday said several efforts, including use of echo sound survey, failed to locate the ferry yesterday.

Bureau Report.