Myanmar to Inspect State-Owned Vessels After Ferry Accident

zoom Myanmar has established a commission to inspect all state-owned vessels currently in service following last weeks tragic ferry sinking which claimed 61 lives so far, the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar reports. The Aung Takon 3 ferry was en route from Kyaukphyu to Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, when it sank in bad weather near Myebon on March 13. Myanmars Transport Minister Nyan Tun Aung told the local media that the ferry was overloaded when it capsized. Officials said the ship was carrying 225 passengers and crew, although local residents were reported as saying that the number could be higher on the account of possible unregistered passengers, a common practice in Myanmar. 169 passengers and crew survived the accident thus far. Search and rescue crews are still in the area trying to locate the remaining missing passengers. World Maritime News Staff