At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat sank in River Nile state in northern Sudan, a medical group has revealed. The boat was travelling between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, carrying nearly 30 passengers, including women, elderly individuals, and children.
Rescue teams continue to search for missing individuals, with spokesperson Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan indicating that more bodies could still be found. Authorities in River Nile state confirmed that 21 bodies had been recovered thus far. Eyewitnesses reported that the boat capsized due to high waves last Wednesday evening in the Shendi area.
In a preliminary report, it was stated that six individuals survived the incident. The medical group has called for specialized rescue teams and equipment to speed up recovery efforts and is urging authorities to enhance river transport safety to prevent similar tragic occurrences.
The tragedy highlights weaknesses in regulation of river transport in Sudan, where many vessels are privately owned and safety measures are often lacking. The country is experiencing a brutal conflict that began in April 2023 during skirmishes between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces, resulting in widespread devastation and humanitarian crises. While River Nile State has not seen heavy fighting, the pervasive instability has impacted resources and infrastructure throughout the nation.
Rescue teams continue to search for missing individuals, with spokesperson Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan indicating that more bodies could still be found. Authorities in River Nile state confirmed that 21 bodies had been recovered thus far. Eyewitnesses reported that the boat capsized due to high waves last Wednesday evening in the Shendi area.
In a preliminary report, it was stated that six individuals survived the incident. The medical group has called for specialized rescue teams and equipment to speed up recovery efforts and is urging authorities to enhance river transport safety to prevent similar tragic occurrences.
The tragedy highlights weaknesses in regulation of river transport in Sudan, where many vessels are privately owned and safety measures are often lacking. The country is experiencing a brutal conflict that began in April 2023 during skirmishes between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces, resulting in widespread devastation and humanitarian crises. While River Nile State has not seen heavy fighting, the pervasive instability has impacted resources and infrastructure throughout the nation.
