Bahrain boat disaster

Friday 31st March 2006, 12:00AM BST.

AT LEAST 57 people have died after a pleasure boat capsized in Bahrain last night.

Jersey’s Chief Minister, Frank Walker, is to send a letter of sympathy today on behalf of the Island.

13 Britons were among the victims of the tragedy in the Gulf state with which Jersey has been actively developing links.

Others on board the vessel included Bahrainis, Filipinos, South Africans, Egyptians and nationals of other Arab and Asian states.

The pleasure boat al-Dana was carrying up to 150 people when it capsized about a mile offshore.

The crew issued a distress call at 9.45 pm and Bahraini Navy crews, assisted by the US Navy, were sent to the scene.

Thirteen people are still reported missing.

The boat was chartered for an evening dinner cruise by a Bahraini company.

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