Big loss as boat sinks

AT least 10 people have died and dozens are missing after a passenger boat sank in stormy weather on a major river in northern Brazil.

The boat was carrying about 70 passengers when it sank in the Xingu River in the state of Para, local authorities said.

Public security officials in Para said about 15 people managed to get to shore after the boat took on water.

The boat departed Santarem and was heading to Vitoria do Xingu. Survivor Bruno Costa, 29, said the boat cracked apart and quickly sank.