At least 21 people have died after a tragic incident involving a passenger boat that sank in River Nile state in northern Sudan, as reported by a medical organization. The boat was making a journey between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, carrying nearly 30 passengers, which included women, the elderly, and children. Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan from the Sudan Doctors Network confirmed recovery efforts are ongoing, stressing that more bodies may be discovered.

Authorities confirmed that 21 bodies have already been retrieved. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the boat capsized on Wednesday evening due to high waves in the Shendi area.

Earlier statements disclosed that six people survived the capsizing. The medical group advocating for enhanced safety measures emphasized the necessity for specialized rescue teams to expedite ongoing search efforts.

Furthermore, they called for immediate actions to enhance river transport safety and avert similar catastrophes in the future. This incident underscores the vulnerability of river transport systems and the dire absence of fundamental safety protocols.

Weak regulatory practices regarding river transport have been cited as contributing factors to the accident. Many vessels traversing the Nile are privately operated, with substantial gaps in regulatory frameworks and safety regulations.

Authorities did not immediately offer a public response regarding this incident. Accidents involving traditional boats are common in Sudan due to the lack of bridges, especially in rural areas. The country remains in turmoil due to ongoing conflict since April 2023, with the civil strife disrupting infrastructure and public services. The region of River Nile State, while not directly caught in frontline violence, has suffered from the broader instability impacting resources and infrastructure throughout Sudan.}