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Dozens missing as ferry sinks in Egypt

A ferry carrying a wedding party sank in the Nile south of Cairo on Friday, and police said dozens of passengers were missing. At least six were injured.
/ Source: The Associated Press

A ferry carrying a wedding party sank in the Nile south of Cairo on Friday, and police said dozens of passengers were missing. At least six were injured.

Hundreds of people were attending the late night party on the Princess Hidy ferry when it began sinking in the river off Beni Sweif, a town some 125 miles south of Cairo, officials said.

The boat tilted and sank as people were singing and dancing, police said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Many of the passengers were rescued but dozens weren't immediately accounted for, police said. There were no reports of any confirmed deaths. Police said at least six people were hospitalized with injuries, but the nature of the injuries wasn't immediately available.

Rescuers told police that the scene was chaotic and many on board had jumped into the water.

Nile boats are usually used for weddings and other celebrations in Egypt, especially in summer.