Ferry sinks in Iraq, killing at least 72 people
Officials have said most of those who died were women and children who could not swim, and searches for victims are continuing.
Thursday 21 March 2019 21:28, UK
A ferry has sunk in Iraq, killing at least 94 people.
Officials have said most of those who died were women and children who could not swim.
The ferry, which sank in the Tigris river near Mosul, capsized because it was overloaded with twice as many passengers as it could safely carry.
Mobile phone footage showed the ferry sinking into the muddy water and people shouting for help.
The accident happened as scores of people celebrated Nowruz, which marks the Kurdish new year and the start of spring.
The Tigris river's level was high because of a rainy season that brought more precipitation than previous years.
Searchers are continuing in the area where the ferry capsized.
Health ministry spokesman Seif al Badr said the rescue mission was hindered by a lack of available boats in the area.
The tragedy comes less than two years after Iraqi forces drove Islamic State from Mosul in 2017.