21 die as tourist boat sinks in India

A boat carrying local tourists capsized Sunday in India's Andaman Sea in the Bay of Bengal, killing 21 people, officials said.

Thirteen were rescued, said top Administrator P. Jawahar. Rescuers were looking for another 11 people believed to be missing, she said.

The boat sank off the eastern Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and police official Shahji said the tourists were all Indians.

Initial reports said the ferry developed a crack in the hull and sank, according to Shahji, who uses one name. Authorities ordered an inquiry.

Accidents are common in India as many ferries are poorly built and often overcrowded, with little regard for safety regulations.

AP