Dhaka, July 05: At least 15 persons, mostly women and children, were feared drowned when an overcrowded trawler with around 70 people on board capsized in River Meghna in southern Barisal district of Bangladesh. Fishermen and villagers rescued over 50 people from the river after the trawler capsized on Thursday, a report today said.

According to the rescued passengers, the trawler capsized due to overloading. Besides carrying a large number of people, the trawler was carrying a large quantity of rice, potatoes and betel nuts, the 'Daily Star' reported. The vessel was going to Char Killabazar from Harinathpur Bazar in Hilza when the accident took place near Khunnibazar village, the report said.

The ministry of shipping had recently issued an order restricting overloading of passengers.

Bureau Report