Bodies of India pilgrims found after boat crash

Indian rescue workers and naval divers have recovered 69 bodies three days after a boat crowded with Muslim pilgrims capsized near the Bay of Bengal.

At least 93 people were rescued or swam to safety after the boat toppled into the Hooghly River in West Bengal state on Saturday, but dozens more people are still unaccounted for.

The 60-capacity motor boat was carrying about 224 passengers when it capsized.

The search for survivors was hampered by poor weather, but had picked up and would continue until all the passengers were accounted for, said district officer Nilanjan Shandilya.

Mr Shandilya said at least 62 passengers were still missing.

The pilgrims were returning to Kakdwip town aboard the boat Ma Durga after praying at the Hijli shrine in East Midnapur district. The boat sank occurred near Ghoramara island, about 125 miles south of the state capital Calcutta.

This is the second fatal boat accident in three months in the Bay of Bengal. In August 20 people died when an overcrowded village transport boat capsized in a small river in the Sunderbans wildlife reserve.