At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat sank in the River Nile state of northern Sudan, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The boat was en route between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, carrying nearly 30 passengers, including women, children, and elderly individuals. Rescue teams are actively searching the area for potential additional victims, with Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan of the Sudan Doctors Network stating that ongoing recovery efforts could reveal more bodies.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the capsizing occurred due to turbulent waves in the Shendi area on Wednesday evening. The authorities confirmed that they have recovered a total of 21 bodies thus far, while reports noted that six passengers survived the incident.
The medical group emphasized the need for specialized rescue teams and proper equipment to expedite recovery operations. They also urged the local government to implement measures ensuring river transportation safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This devastating incident highlights the precarious nature of river transport in Sudan and the lack of essential safety regulations, as many boats on the river are privately operated with minimal oversight.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, exacerbating humanitarian challenges and straining infrastructure. While the River Nile State, where the accident occurred, has largely been free from frontline combat, the instability throughout Sudan continues to impact resources and safety in transportation. The recent tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for improved safety protocols in river navigation, particularly for boats routinely used to cross the Nile.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the capsizing occurred due to turbulent waves in the Shendi area on Wednesday evening. The authorities confirmed that they have recovered a total of 21 bodies thus far, while reports noted that six passengers survived the incident.
The medical group emphasized the need for specialized rescue teams and proper equipment to expedite recovery operations. They also urged the local government to implement measures ensuring river transportation safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This devastating incident highlights the precarious nature of river transport in Sudan and the lack of essential safety regulations, as many boats on the river are privately operated with minimal oversight.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, exacerbating humanitarian challenges and straining infrastructure. While the River Nile State, where the accident occurred, has largely been free from frontline combat, the instability throughout Sudan continues to impact resources and safety in transportation. The recent tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for improved safety protocols in river navigation, particularly for boats routinely used to cross the Nile.
