More than 50 people were feared dead Friday after a ferry on a dinner cruise sank off the coast of Bahrain. The boat, a two-deck dhow, was in calm waters within a mile of the shore when it tipped over, the BBC reported. The boat had a capacity for 100 passengers, but was reportedly carrying 130 to 150 people.
At least 63 people, including the only three Bahrainis who were onboard, were rescued by Bahrain's Coast Guard and by other boats in the area.
Bahraini officials said most of the dead were Asians, but GCC nationals and Europeans were also understood to have died. On his part, Bahrain's Information Minister Mohammed Abul-Ghafar, interviewed on al-Arabiya television, said the passengers included 25 Britons, 20 Filipinos, 10 South Africans and 10 Egyptians. The GDN reported Friday the newly-refurbished dhow was chartered by Island Tours from owners Al Qobaisi Travel and Tours for a private party.
