KHARTOUM, Sudan (SCANS) — At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat capsized in northern Sudan’s River Nile state, a medical group said Thursday.
The vessel was traveling between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, carrying nearly 30 passengers, including women, elderly people and children, according to the Sudan Doctors Network.
Rescue teams recovered 21 bodies, state authorities said, as cited by AFP. Search operations were ongoing amid concerns that more victims could be found.
The boat overturned Wednesday evening in the Shendi area after being struck by high waves, eyewitnesses said.
In an earlier statement, the Sudan Doctors Network said six people survived the حادث.
“Rescue teams are continuing with their work since there could be more bodies,” said Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan, the network’s spokesperson.
The group called on authorities to deploy specialized rescue teams and equipment to speed up search efforts. It also urged immediate steps to improve river transport safety.
“This painful humanitarian tragedy once again reveals the fragility of river transport and the absence of basic safety requirements,” the group said in a statement.
Hassan said weak regulation of river transport may have contributed to the disaster. Many boats operating on the Nile are privately owned, and authorities lack effective oversight and safety systems, he said.
Authorities did not immediately comment.
Accidents involving traditional boats are common in Sudan, where many communities rely on river crossings due to a shortage of bridges, particularly in rural areas.
The incident comes as Sudan remains engulfed in conflict. Fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted in April 2023, devastating large parts of the country, displacing millions and straining infrastructure and public services.
River Nile state has largely avoided frontline fighting, though nationwide instability has placed pressure on resources and safety oversight.
