A boat carrying more than 80 people sank on Sunday at dawn on a major river in the Amazon rain forest, rescue workers and media reports said.
The boat sank before 6 a.m. on the Solimoes River, about 50 miles (80 km) from Manaus, a spokesman for the city's fire department told Reuters.
It was returning an estimated 80 revellers from a party in the interior of the state, he said.
According to CBN radio, as many as 150 people were on board the boat, which had a capacity of 50 people. Twelve bodies were found and more than 40 are missing, CBN said.
Forty fire workers and 15 divers were participating in the rescue operation, which could take several days in the silty river, the spokesman said.
Boats travelling on the many rivers in the Amazon region are frequently loaded beyond capacity and are seldom controlled by authorities.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Pastor who gave sermon near abortion clinic stands trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
Most Popular
News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth.
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches.
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.