Sudan Boat Tragedy: At Least 21 Dead After Vessel Capsizes On River Nile

At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat sank in Sudan’s River Nile state, according to a medical organisation.

The vessel, which was carrying nearly 30 passengers, was travelling between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai in northern Sudan. Among those on board were women, elderly passengers and children, the Sudan Doctors Network said.

“Rescue teams are continuing with their work since there could be more bodies,” said Dr Mohamed Faisal Hassan, spokesperson for the network.

Local authorities confirmed on Thursday that 21 bodies had been recovered, AFP news agency reported.

Witnesses said the boat overturned on Wednesday evening in the Shendi area after being hit by strong waves. In an earlier statement, the medical group indicated that six people survived the accident.

The Sudan Doctors Network called on officials to send specialised rescue personnel and equipment to speed up recovery efforts. It also urged authorities to “take immediate measures to ensure river transport safety and prevent the recurrence of such disasters that claim innocent lives”.

“This painful humanitarian tragedy once again reveals the fragility of river transport and the absence of basic safety requirements,” the group added.

Dr Hassan told the BBC that inadequate regulation of river transport may have played a role in the disaster. He noted that many boats operating along the Nile are privately owned and that oversight systems and safety standards are often insufficient.

Authorities had not immediately issued a public response.

Boat accidents are relatively common in Sudan, where traditional vessels are widely used to cross the Nile due to the limited number of bridges, especially in rural communities.

The tragedy comes amid Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, which began in April 2023 when fighting erupted between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war has devastated large areas of the country, particularly the capital Khartoum and regions such as Darfur, displacing millions of people and severely weakening public services and infrastructure.

Although River Nile state has largely avoided direct frontline combat, the broader instability across Sudan has placed significant strain on resources, emergency response systems and transportation safety nationwide.