Transporting boat capsized in Tigris river killing 92, search operations underway

The death toll in an overcrowded boat capsize increased to 92, including 12 children after it sank in Iraq's Tigris River on Thursday, authorities confirmed on Friday. Al Jazeera quoted to health ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr as saying that there were at least 150 people on board, including over 80 women and children.

Nineveh Mayor, Abd al-Sattar Habu said that the ferry transporting people from a bank of the river to a small tourist island sank halfway due to high water levels in the river. He further added that a number of bodies were recovered while search operations are still underway.

Habu said, "The Department of Water Resources warned a few days ago that the level of water will rise as a result of the opening of dams." The ferry was loaded with over twice the permitted capacity, Civil Defense General Manager Brigadier Malik Bohan told state-owned Al Iraqiya, reported Al Jazeera.

As search operations are still underway, rescuers are recovering bodies of the victims who drowned in the river. An investigation was immediately launched after the incident was reported. Further details are awaited. 

(With inputs from agencies.)