British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert W Gibson on Monday expressed his condolences over the tragic ferry capsize in the Padma River on Sunday.

‘I was shocked and saddened by yesterday’s tragic incident on the Padma, in which so many people have lost their lives,’ he said in a statement.

The British diplomat said their thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones at this time of sorrow.

The death toll from the Padma launch capsize reached 69 with the recovery of more bodies on Monday morning.