At Least 21 Dead as Boat Sinks in River Nile, Sudan

At least 21 people drowned and six survived when a boat carrying around 30 passengers sank in the River Nile in northern Sudan between Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai. The Sudanese Doctors Network highlighted the lack of safety measures and emergency response, while the country’s ongoing conflict has worsened public services and infrastructure, making river transport increasingly risky.

At least 21 people have drowned after a boat sank in the River Nile in northern Sudan, according to reports from the local state government and eyewitnesses. Officials from River Nile State confirmed on Thursday that 21 bodies had been recovered following the tragic incident, provided the names of the victims, and cautioned that several passengers were still unaccounted for. The accident occurred as the boat was crossing the river between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, according to a statement released by the local authorities. However, the statement did not provide details regarding the cause of the sinking. Eyewitnesses told AFP that the vessel was carrying around 30 people at the time of the incident.
The Sudanese Doctors Network reported that six passengers survived the tragedy, underscoring the severity of the accident. In their statement, the group highlighted that the incident exposes the inherent fragility of river transport in Sudan, pointing to the absence of basic safety measures and the lack of local authority presence or civil defence rescue teams during the crucial early hours following the sinking. The network emphasized that the conditions surrounding the accident reflect systemic shortcomings in the management of river transportation, which is a vital mode of travel for many Sudanese.
River transport in Sudan often relies on single-engine boats operated by individual captains, leaving passengers vulnerable in the event of mechanical failures, overcrowding, or sudden accidents. The dangers are compounded by the country’s ongoing conflict, which has divided Sudan between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This internal conflict has led to road closures, disrupted communication lines, and a severe deterioration of public services, including healthcare and education infrastructure. These conditions not only heighten the risk of accidents like the River Nile sinking but also hinder effective emergency response and rescue efforts, making river travel a particularly perilous necessity for many communities in the region.
Authorities and local organizations have called attention to the urgent need for improved safety regulations, better-equipped rescue teams, and more robust oversight of river transport operations to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, families of the victims continue to search for missing relatives, and the full toll of the accident may not be immediately known as rescue and recovery efforts continue along the river.