At least 15 people lost their lives after a passenger ferry overturned in northern Sudan’s River Nile State, according to a source from the country’s civil defence authority.
The wooden boat was reportedly travelling between the villages of Tayba Al-Khawad and Deim Al-Qarai, carrying more than 27 passengers, including women, elderly people and children, when it capsized due to high waves.
Bodies recovered, search continues
Officials said civil defence units rushed to the scene and recovered more than 15 bodies. At least eight passengers survived the incident, while around four others remain missing.
The voluntary group Sudan Doctors Network also confirmed the tragedy in a statement. It noted that more than 15 bodies had been recovered and that local residents, along with rescue teams, are continuing search-and-recovery operations.
Safety concerns raised
The group highlighted the vulnerability of river transport in Sudan and pointed to the absence of basic safety standards. It urged authorities to deploy specialised rescue teams and equipment and to strengthen river transport regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
Sudan frequently witnesses accidents involving traditional wooden boats, which are widely used to cross the Nile due to the limited number of bridges, particularly in rural areas.
Civil defence authorities have repeatedly warned of the risks associated with travelling in rudimentary boats, especially during flood seasons, as such incidents have led to significant loss of life in recent years.