An Iranian cargo ship MV Mir Demand sank in the Bay of Bengal after its engine broke down in the deep sea, 60 nautical miles from Bangladesh's southwestern sea port Mongla on Sunday.

The accident occurred when the vessel, carrying 91 containers, was caught in a strong storm after sailing from Bangladesh's largest sea port Chittagong Sunday afternoon for India, Bangladesh's official news agency BSS reported.

Rescue ships rushed to the scene. The fate of 17 crew could not be known, said the report.