Tragic Boat Accident in Sudan Claims 21 Lives

Fri Feb 13 2026 05:01:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A passenger boat capsized in the River Nile, highlighting the dangers of river transport in conflict-ridden Sudan.

In a tragic incident on the River Nile in northern Sudan, at least 21 people lost their lives when their boat sank while navigating between local villages. Eyewitnesses reported that the vessel capsized amid high waves. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities confirm that six individuals have survived. Medical experts are urging better regulation of river transport to prevent such disasters.

Overview of the Incident

At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat sank in River Nile state in northern Sudan, as reported by a medical group. The boat was traveling between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai and was carrying nearly 30 passengers, including women, elderly people, and children. Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan, spokesperson for the Sudan Doctors Network, confirmed that rescue teams are continuing to search for more bodies.

The Cause of the Capsize

The boat capsized due to high waves on Wednesday evening in the Shendi area. Eyewitnesses have shared that the conditions were particularly treacherous at the time. After the incident, authorities recovered 21 bodies, with six survivors reported. The medical group has emphasized the need for specialized rescue teams to facilitate ongoing search efforts.

Calls for Safety Measures

The Sudan Doctors Network has urged the government to implement immediate measures to enhance river transport safety and prevent future tragedies. This incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities of river transport, especially in a country marked by ongoing conflict. Poor regulation and minimal safety measures were identified as contributing factors to the tragedy.

The Ongoing Crisis in Sudan

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, resulting in displacement and destruction across the nation. While River Nile state has not seen frontline fighting, the broader instability has strained local resources and infrastructure. Authorities are facing criticism for failing to ensure safe travel conditions on the Nile, which is a crucial transit route in rural areas where bridges are scarce.