'Overloaded' Cambodia ferry sinks

At least 17 people are feared dead after an overloaded ferry capsized on the Mekong river in Cambodia.

The ferry was on its way to a Buddhist temple in Kratie province when it was caught in strong currents.

Officials said the bodies of the dead, including two children under the age of five, had been released to relatives.

More than 30 people were packed onto the vessel which was travelling in a calm tributary of the river, 160km (100 miles) from Phnom Penh.

"There was no storm or heavy rain when the boat sank. The accident happened because it was overloaded with passengers," Police Major Leng Sarum was quoted as saying by AP.

Kratie province has been hit by devastating flooding recently.

Late last month, Typhoon Ketsana swept into central Cambodia toppling dozens of homes and killing at least 18 people and injuring some 100 others.