PHNOM PENH: An overloaded river ferry capsized in northeastern Cambodia killing 17 passengers, an official said Sunday.

The ferry, travelling to a ceremony at a Buddhist temple, was crammed with 30 people on board when the accident happened in Kratie province on Saturday night, said Kham Phoeun, governor of the province.

While 13 of the passengers were rescued, 17 died and their bodies were recovered on Sunday morning, he said.

"The accident happened because it was overloaded with passengers. There was no strong wind or anything, just a drizzle," Kham Phoeun added.