Trawler capsize toll 81, 72 missing

Navy personnel unload a dead body from a hovercraft during their rescue operations. Photo: PTI

The death toll in the trawler sinking in Hooghly river here went up to 81 today with four more bodies being found, while the number of those still missing was officially put at 72.

Home Secretary G. D. Gautama said it has been determined that 246 people were on board the trawler which sank on October 30 while sailing from Hijli Sharif in East Midnapore district to Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district.

This put the number of missing at 72, with 81 bodies having been found and 93 survivors swimming to safety or being rescued, he said in Kolkata.

Mr. Gautama said efforts were being made to bring the trawler to the surface which was located by personnel of the Kolkata Port Trust with echo sounding equipment.

The owner of the trawler was still absconding and a case has been filed at the local police station, he said.

Additional District Magistrate Nilanjan Sandilya said the position of the trawler had shifted due to tides.

Meanwhile, Navy, Coast Guard, Kolkata Port Trust and Civil Defence were continuing the search for the missing.