Ferry Capsizes in Sri Lanka; at Least 6 Dead

Ferry Capsizes in Sri Lanka; at Least 6 Dead
Sri Lankan police and navy life savers attend the rescue work following a ferry capsized in Kinniya, about 267 kilometers east of Colombo, Sri Lanka on Nov. 23, 2021. (Mangalanath Liyanaarachchi/AP Photo)
The Associated Press
11/23/2021
Updated:
11/23/2021

COLOMBO—A ferry capsized in eastern Sri Lanka on Tuesday, killing at least six people, a navy spokesperson said.

Twelve people have been rescued and the search for others is continuing, navy spokesperson Capt. Indika de Silva said. It wasn’t immediately clear how many people were on board the ferry or what caused it to overturn.

The ferry was traveling from Kurinchakeni to the town of Kinniya along the country’s eastern coast and about 260 kilometers (160 miles) northeast of the capital, Colombo, the navy spokesperson said.

Sri Lankans watch rescue work following a ferry capsized in Kinniya, about 267 kilometers east of Colombo, Sri Lanka on Nov. 23, 2021. (Mangalanath Liyanaarachchi/AP Photo)
Sri Lankans watch rescue work following a ferry capsized in Kinniya, about 267 kilometers east of Colombo, Sri Lanka on Nov. 23, 2021. (Mangalanath Liyanaarachchi/AP Photo)

Ferry accidents are relatively rare in Sri Lanka because many locations are now connected by bridges.

However, the bridge that connects the two towns has been closed for repairs, forcing people to use rudimentary vessels to cross the river, said Naazik Majeed, a social activist in Kinniya.

Angry residents burned tires and surrounded government offices, blaming officials for the accident.

By Krishan Francis