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Ferry Refloated, Towed Back to Port; More Bodies Found : Capsized British Ferry Refloated, Towed Back to Port

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Associated Press

Salvagers today refloated and towed back to port a British ferry that capsized March 6 off this North Sea port. Officials said divers found two more bodies inside, bringing the confirmed death toll to 180.

Four tugboats and three floating cranes were used to tow the 7,951-ton Herald of Free Enterprise 1,000 yards into Zeebrugge harbor. Public health officials then boarded the vessel and declared it safe for five British and 13 Belgian navy divers to enter and resume the search for 10 bodies believed to be on the lower decks.

Hans van de Wal, a spokesman for Zeebrugge naval base, said divers found two bodies shortly after entering the vessel.

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The divers also planned to remove cargo and dozens of cars and trucks from inside the vessel.

The ferry capsized with 543 people on board as it left Zeebrugge for Dover, England.

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