Kolkata : Many were feared dead in a trawler capsize near Ghoramara island, about 150 km south of Kolkata in Sagar region of the Sundarbans in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday.
A report said 16 bodies were recovered. The dead included children and women.
The trawler on way to Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas from Khejuri in East Midnapore was carrying about 200 people, mostly pilgrims, when it capsized around 11 am, an initial report said.
West Bengal Sundarbans Affairs Minister Kanti Ganguly said while many people were rescued many remained missing.
The injured were taken to hospital in Kakdwip.
The darkness is hampering rescue operation.
A helicopter has been pressed into service, reports said.