Bahrain boat disaster - pleasure boat capsizes and sinks in calm seas
31/03/2006
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Barry, DoncasterBahraini officials have confirmed that they have recovered 53 bodies in a rescue operation after the al-Dana Vessel capsized and sunk in the Gulf less than a mile from the coast of Bahrain. 63 people have been rescued but it is thought that up to 150 passengers were on board.
It was reported that the two-deck Arabic dhow began to lean during an evening dinner cruise and that the boat dramatically turned upside down. Eyewitnesses reported that the boat appeared heavily overcrowded before it set off.
Bahrain's coastguard confirmed that the boat capsized at about 9.45 pm (6.45 pm GMT). Onlookers also reported that the waters were relatively calm.
Unofficial reports suggest that there were up to 25 British tourists on board. The nationality of the 53 bodies recovered is not yet known.
Partner Jonathan Betts, who acted for the UK Express Samina Survivor's Group after 80 people tragically died when the Express Samina ferry hit rocks off the Aegean island of Paros said:
"For the Britons that return, this night may become a horrific story of survival. They may be tormented by these memories and could suffer flashbacks and vivid recollections preventing them from continuing their normal lives. The entitlement to compensation could be for severe post traumatic stress injury."
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