A tragic incident occurred on the River Nile in northern Sudan, where a passenger boat sank, resulting in at least 21 deaths, according to information from a medical group. The boat was traveling between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, carrying nearly 30 passengers, including women and children. Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan from the Sudan Doctors Network mentioned that rescue teams are actively searching, indicating the possibility of more bodies being found.
Authorities in River Nile state confirmed to AFP that they have recovered 21 bodies. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the boat capsized on Wednesday evening due to high waves in the Shendi area. An earlier report stated that six individuals survived the accident.
The Sudan Doctors Network has urged the government to deploy specialized rescue teams and equipment to facilitate search efforts, stressing the need for immediate measures to ensure safety on river transport and prevent similar disasters. Dr. Hassan emphasized that lax safety regulations and oversight in river transport were possible contributing factors to this tragedy, as many operating boats are privately owned, with insufficient regulatory frameworks in place.
River transport is often crucial in Sudan, particularly due to a lack of bridges in rural regions, which makes such accidents all too common. The country has been plagued by conflict since April 2023, straining its resources and infrastructure, although River Nile State has not seen direct fighting. This accident has reignited concerns over the safety and fragility of river transport amid ongoing instability.
Authorities in River Nile state confirmed to AFP that they have recovered 21 bodies. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the boat capsized on Wednesday evening due to high waves in the Shendi area. An earlier report stated that six individuals survived the accident.
The Sudan Doctors Network has urged the government to deploy specialized rescue teams and equipment to facilitate search efforts, stressing the need for immediate measures to ensure safety on river transport and prevent similar disasters. Dr. Hassan emphasized that lax safety regulations and oversight in river transport were possible contributing factors to this tragedy, as many operating boats are privately owned, with insufficient regulatory frameworks in place.
River transport is often crucial in Sudan, particularly due to a lack of bridges in rural regions, which makes such accidents all too common. The country has been plagued by conflict since April 2023, straining its resources and infrastructure, although River Nile State has not seen direct fighting. This accident has reignited concerns over the safety and fragility of river transport amid ongoing instability.
