Rescuers searched on Wednesday for dozens of people reported missing after a ferry carrying about 250 people capsized during a storm in central Bangladesh, killing at least two people, police and rescue officials said. Meanwhile, the death toll from tropical storms that battered northern and central Bangladesh reached 23 on Wednesday.
The case of two men arrested last year on weapons of mass destruction charges was transferred to Pretoria during their appearance in the Vanderbijlpark Regional Court on Wednesday. A court official said the two made a brief appearance and the case was transferred to the Pretoria High Court for August 22.
The rate of global computer software piracy fell marginally last year, but its cost jumped because of overall growth in the software industry and the devaluation of the dollar, according a report released by the United States Business Software Alliance on Wednesday. The rate of piracy slowed to an average of 35% around the world in 2004.
South African cricket coach Ray Jennings arrived back in South Africa on Wednesday after a very successful tour of the West Indies. But instead of being able to bask in the glow of the successful tour, Jennings had to face the media knowing that he will almost certainly be replaced as coach on Thursday.
England fullback Ashley Cole put his personal problems aside on Tuesday to insist his Arsenal side can win Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester United despite the absence of star striker Thierry Henry. The France international was ruled out on Monday after he suffered a recurrence of an old injury during the 7-0 thrashing of Everton.
The forgotten heroes of the world-famous Comrades Marathon will be remembered by the organisation this year. They include hundreds of black runners, who were barred by apartheid laws, and hundreds of women who were denied the opportunity of competing with men by the athletics governing bodies of the time.
The star-studded Monaco paddock will be home to Darth Vader and the Star Wars cast for this weekend’s grand prix, but with the field wide open, there is no need for gimmicks to guarantee excitement in the sport’s flagship race. There are plenty of contenders for one of the biggest prizes of the season.
Lawyers representing Yukos founder Mikhail Khodorkovsky said on Tuesday it is a foregone conclusion their client will be found guilty as judges continued reading the protracted verdict in the controversial trial. For a third day in a row, the Moscow court’s three-judge panel took turns in reading out the mammoth judgement.
All Blacks flanker Richie McCaw will lead the Canterbury Crusaders in their Super 12 rugby semifinal against the Wellington Hurricanes at Christchurch on Friday. He was confirmed in the Crusaders’ starting line-up on Wednesday, taking the place of Johnny Leo’o, who scored two tries in the win over the Hurricanes.
South African clothing retailer Edcon on Wednesday reported a 68% increase in headline earnings per share to R26,61 for the year ended April 2 2005, from R15,88 a year ago. A final dividend of 851 cents per share was declared, up 63% from a year ago, making a total dividend of R13,45.