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

Sudan. At least 21 people have died after a boat sank in the Nile River in northern Sudan, AFP reported, citing local government and eyewitnesses. It was stated that the bodies of the deceased have been recovered following the accident, their names listed, and some passengers are still missing.

A statement from the local government mentioned that the boat capsized while crossing the river between the villages of Taiba al-Khawad and Dim al-Karai. However, the cause of the accident was not specified.

Citing eyewitnesses, AFP reported that 30 people were on board the boat. The Sudanese Doctors' Network, in a statement, indicated that six passengers on the boat survived. The network highlighted that the incident exposed the "fragility of river transport and the lack of basic safety requirements, and the complete absence of officials and civil defense rescue teams."

Sudanese people often cross rivers using single-engine boats led by single operators, while the country's infrastructure continues to deteriorate due to the war that has been ongoing for nearly three years. The war has divided the country between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leading to a severe decline in public services, medical, and educational infrastructure.