Story highlights Death toll reaches 34

167 people have been rescued, Myanmar's government says

Ferry capsized after being hit by a large wave in bad weather conditions

Naypyidaw, Myanmar (CNN) At least 34 people are dead after a ferry capsized off the Southeast Asia nation of Myanmar, the country's state-run daily said Saturday, citing a police source.

The state-owned passenger ferry Aung Ta Gon-3 had 214 passengers and crew on board, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar.

Myanmar's Ministry of Information said in a statement that the ship capsized Friday night as it sailed, in bad weather conditions, around the city of Sittwe. A large wave crashed into the ferry, causing it capsize near Myaybone and Myaukkyine islands.

The newspaper reported that 31 women and three men died. Authorities have managed to rescue at least 167 people, according to the information ministry for Myanmar, which is also known as Burma.

Pictures from the government showed rescue workers helping people off a boat onto the land.

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