At least 15 individuals lost their lives when a passenger ferry sank in Sudan’s River Nile State. The tragic incident occurred as the wooden boat was en route between Tayba Al-Khawad and Deim Al-Qarai villages, carrying over 27 passengers, including women, elderly, and children. The boat capsized due to high waves, with civil defence units managing to recover more than 15 bodies while eight people survived, and four others are still missing.
The Sudan Doctors Network, a voluntary group, also verified the accident, confirming the recovery of over 15 bodies and the survival of six individuals. Efforts are ongoing as local residents and civil defence forces continue the search for the remaining missing passengers. The group emphasized the risks associated with river transport and the lack of basic safety standards, urging authorities to promptly deploy specialized rescue teams and search-and-recovery equipment.
Sudan faces recurrent accidents involving traditional boats, commonly used for crossing the Nile due to the limited bridges connecting its banks, especially in rural areas. The civil defence authorities in Sudan have cautioned against the perils of traveling in basic wooden boats, especially during flood seasons, to avert drowning incidents that have resulted in significant loss of life in recent times.
