West Bengal trawler capsize toll rises to 20

With the retrieval of two more bodies today, the toll in the trawler capsize tragedy near Talpatty island in the Hooghly river at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, has risen to 20.

"In addition to 18 bodies found yesterday, two more were retrieved from two different points in the river during the day," South 24-Parganas superintendent of police LN Meena told Press Trust of India.

"Several passengers are still missing and rescue teams are trying to locate them," he said.

Of the passengers on board, 50 persons were rescued and rushed to a hospital, of whom 23 were discharged after first aid.

The trawler along with two others, overloaded with pilgrims, was returning to Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas from Hijli Sharif, opposite Sagar Island, in East Midnapore district, when it capsized and sank after hitting a sandbar, yesterday.