In brief
At least 21 people died when a passenger boat sank in northern Sudan's River Nile state. The boat, carrying nearly 30 passengers, capsized due to high waves, sparking rescue efforts that revealed ongoing concerns over river transport safety amid the nation's conflict. Witnesses and officials emphasize the need for better regulation and safety measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat sank in River Nile state in northern Sudan, according to reports from the Sudan Doctors Network.
The boat was traveling between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, carrying nearly 30 passengers, including women, elderly people, and children.
Rescue teams are continuing their work since there could be more bodies, stated Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan of the medical group.
The authorities in River Nile state announced that 21 bodies have been recovered as of Thursday.
Eyewitnesses indicated that the boat capsized due to high waves on Wednesday evening in the Shendi area.
Six individuals managed to survive the incident, as reported by the medical group, which urged authorities to deploy specialized rescue teams and equipment to expedite search efforts.
They also called for immediate measures to ensure river transport safety to prevent the recurrence of such disasters that claim innocent lives.
This tragic humanitarian event once again emphasizes the fragility of river transport and the lack of basic safety requirements, according to the group.
Dr. Hassan noted that weak regulation of river transport could have contributed to this tragedy, stressing that many boats operating on the Nile were privately owned and that authorities lacked proper regulatory systems and safety measures.
Authorities did not respond immediately regarding this matter.
Sudan frequently experiences accidents involving traditional boats, especially since bridges are scarce in many rural areas.
The country has been in the grip of a brutal conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), displacing millions and crippling basic services.
While River Nile State has been largely spared from frontline fighting, the overall instability has put significant strain on resources and infrastructure across the country.
