At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat capsized on the Nile in northern Sudan, local medical authorities said, raising concerns about the safety of river transport in the country.
The vessel, which was carrying nearly 30 passengers including women, elderly people, and children, sank while travelling between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai in River Nile state. Six passengers survived the incident, the medical group said.
Dr Mohamed Faisal Hassan, said rescue operations were ongoing and additional casualties could be discovered.
“Rescue teams are continuing with their work since there could be more bodies,” he told the BBC. Authorities in River Nile state confirmed that 21 bodies had been recovered as of Thursday.
Eyewitnesses attributed the capsizing to high waves in the Shendi area, where the boat went down.
The Sudan Doctors Network urged the deployment of specialised rescue teams and equipment to accelerate search and recovery efforts. It also called on authorities to implement measures to enhance river transport safety.
In a statement, the group said: “This painful humanitarian tragedy once again reveals the fragility of river transport and the absence of basic safety requirements.”
Dr Hassan suggested that the lack of regulation in Sudan’s river transport sector may have contributed to the accident.
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River transport is commonly used in Sudan, especially in rural areas where bridges are scarce, but accidents are frequent. Traditional boats often carry passengers across the Nile under minimal safety standards, leaving travellers vulnerable to capsizing during high water or adverse weather conditions.
The country’s ongoing conflict has compounded these risks. Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions and disrupted infrastructure and basic services across the country.
Although River Nile state has largely avoided frontline clashes, the broader instability has strained resources, leaving emergency and transport services under pressure.
Sudan’s humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly since the outbreak of the conflict.
In addition to the armed confrontations in Khartoum, Darfur, and other regions, shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and rescue equipment have hampered response efforts. The war has also affected transport safety, as weakened oversight and resource constraints have left traditional river crossings largely unregulated.
According to the Sudan Doctors Network, the recent incident underscores a longstanding vulnerability in the country’s transport system.
The group highlighted the need for systematic safety checks, licensing of operators, and provision of life-saving equipment to prevent future fatalities. It described the event as a “humanitarian tragedy” that illustrates the dangers facing everyday travellers relying on the Nile for transportation.
Reports from survivors indicate that the boat was overcrowded, a common issue in rural river crossings. Families, including children and elderly passengers, were aboard when the vessel encountered turbulent waves near Shendi, tipping over in the evening hours. Six passengers were rescued, while the remaining individuals either drowned or remained missing pending further recovery efforts.
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Local authorities have not disclosed whether the boat complied with any formal safety regulations or carried life jackets and other standard protective equipment.
Sudanese media and humanitarian groups have repeatedly highlighted that private operators frequently conduct river crossings without inspection or formal licensing, exposing passengers to risk during seasonal high water and sudden storms.
The River Nile, one of Sudan’s main waterways, plays a critical role in connecting remote communities.
With limited bridge infrastructure and poor road access in many areas, residents rely heavily on river transport to reach markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Safety lapses in this sector, officials warn, can quickly escalate into mass-casualty incidents.
The latest accident comes amid calls from both domestic and international organisations for enhanced oversight of Sudan’s transport networks.
The Sudan Doctors Network stressed the need for immediate intervention to prevent similar events. “Authorities must take immediate measures to ensure river transport safety and prevent the recurrence of such disasters that claim innocent lives,” it said.
Emergency response teams continue to search for missing passengers, with recovery efforts complicated by strong currents and the remote location of the accident site. The Sudanese Red Crescent and local volunteers are reportedly assisting in rescue operations, but logistical challenges and limited resources have slowed progress.
The confirmed death toll stood at 21, with six survivors. Officials have not provided a full passenger manifest, leaving uncertainty about whether additional victims remain unaccounted for.
Authorities have indicated that investigations into the circumstances of the sinking are underway, though no timeline for completion has been announced.
The River Nile state administration faces pressure to address both immediate recovery and long-term safety concerns. With traditional river transport serving as a lifeline for many communities, the recent tragedy highlights the urgent need for regulation, oversight, and emergency preparedness in Sudan’s waterways.