RiverNile – Ferry Tragedy Claims Lives in Northern Sudan

RiverNile – At least 15 people have lost their lives after a passenger ferry went down in Sudan’s River Nile State, highlighting once again the persistent risks tied to river travel in remote parts of the country.

Ferry Overturns Between Two Villages

The incident occurred as a wooden passenger boat was making its way between the villages of Tayba Al-Khawad and Deim Al-Qarai in northern Sudan. According to a source within Sudan’s civil defence authority, the vessel was carrying more than 27 passengers at the time of the accident. Among those on board were women, elderly residents and children.

Authorities said strong waves struck the boat mid-journey, causing it to overturn. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately after the alarm was raised. Civil defence units managed to retrieve more than 15 bodies from the river. Eight passengers survived the sinking, while approximately four people remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue.

Rescue Efforts Continue Along the Nile

Emergency crews, supported by local residents, have been combing the area in hopes of locating the missing passengers. The civil defence authority confirmed that search-and-recovery operations are still underway, though challenging river conditions have complicated efforts.

The Sudan Doctors Network, a voluntary medical group, also released a statement confirming the scale of the tragedy. The organization reported that more than 15 victims had been recovered and noted that several survivors had been pulled from the water. Community members joined professional rescue teams in assisting with the search.

The group emphasized the urgent need for improved emergency preparedness, calling for specialized rescue teams and better-equipped search units to be deployed in riverine areas. It stressed that immediate steps must be taken to reduce the likelihood of similar disasters in the future.

Ongoing Safety Concerns Over River Transport

River crossings remain a daily necessity for many communities in Sudan, particularly in rural regions where bridges are scarce. In River Nile State and other parts of the country, traditional wooden boats are often the only practical means of transport across the Nile.

However, these vessels typically lack essential safety features such as life jackets, proper weight limits and reliable structural standards. During periods of strong currents or seasonal flooding, the dangers increase significantly.

Civil defence authorities have repeatedly warned residents about the hazards associated with travelling in rudimentary boats, especially during high-water seasons. Despite these warnings, many families continue to rely on river transport due to limited alternatives.

Calls for Stronger Regulations and Infrastructure

The latest accident has renewed calls for stricter oversight of passenger boats operating along the Nile. Safety advocates argue that clearer regulations, mandatory life-saving equipment and improved boat inspections could help prevent further loss of life.

There have also been appeals for long-term infrastructure development, including the construction of additional bridges to reduce reliance on small ferries. In many villages, river crossings are essential for accessing markets, schools and healthcare facilities, leaving residents with few choices but to use whatever boats are available.

While investigations into the exact circumstances of the sinking are ongoing, officials maintain that rough waters were the primary cause. The tragedy serves as another reminder of the vulnerability faced by communities that depend heavily on traditional river transport.

As search operations continue, families await news of the missing, and local authorities confront renewed pressure to address the safety gaps that have repeatedly led to fatal accidents along the Nile.