Iraq ferry sinking: At least 55 tourists DEAD as ferry capsizes on Tigris River – VIDEO

Rescue efforts are being made to save passengers who went down with the ferry on the Tigris river in Iraq. Shocking video footage from social media shows people float down the river while onlookers scream. The video appears to show several people attempting to swim through the strong currents in the river. 

Some people are seen frantically waving their arms as the strong currents drag them down the river.

The dozens of people being dragged through the currents are surrounded by multiple boats attempting to rescue them.

Several people can be seen holding onto one boat as the fast-flowing stream continues to drag them across the river.

State-run Iraqia News TV has reported the health ministry to have said 33 women, 12 children, and 10 men had died.

Head of Mosul’s Civil Defence Authority Husam Khalil has said the majority of those feared dead are women and children who could not swim.

Mr Khalil said rescue teams have so far rescued 12 people and are continuing all efforts to save those on board when the vessel sank.

The casualties were expected to be celebrating Nowruz, a holiday which marks the Kurdish new year.

The vessel was believed to be carrying 100 people when it capsized.

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