At least 69 people have died when a boat capsized in the Red Sea off the coast of Djibouti.

The authorities say the vessel was on its way from the port of Djibouti to the town of Tadjoura.

They say 36 people who were injured in the accident are now being treated in hospitals in Djibouti.

It is believed the boat was carrying more than 200 passengers who were travelling to a religious festival. The cause of the accident is not yet known.

Interior Minister Yassin Elmi Bouh told the BBC that since there was no list of passengers it was possible that more people were missing at sea.

The boat has been towed back to Djibouti port, close to where it capsized.

US and French troops based in Djibouti have helped the rescue effort.

Crowds of worried relatives have flocked to the town's police stations, hospitals and mosques as well as the port to try and get the latest news.

PHOTO CAPTION

Rescue workers and authorities line up bodies of victims after a Djibouti-flagged vessel sank off the coast of Djibouti, April 6, 2006. (REUTERS)

BBC