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12 Missing After Wedding Boat Capsizes in Sudan's Nile, Second Tragedy in Days

A boat carrying 16 people, reportedly heading to a wedding, capsized in Sudan's White Nile State, leaving 12 passengers missing and four rescued. This incident occurred just days after another ferry sinking in northern Sudan resulted in at least 21 fatalities. Volunteer groups and civil defence units are conducting search operations along the river, with locals gathering on the banks. The Sudan Doctors Network has urgently called for authorities to enforce safety regulations on river boats, which are often overloaded and lack proper equipment, especially in rural areas where bridges are scarce.

Key Points: Sudan Boat Capsizes: 12 Missing in White Nile, 21 Dead in Earlier Sinking

  • 12 missing after wedding boat capsizes
  • 4 rescued from the 16-passenger ferry
  • Follows a Feb 11 sinking that killed 21
  • Volunteers and civil defence lead search
  • Chronic safety issues with overloaded wooden boats
2 min read

12 people missing after boat sinks in Sudan

A ferry sank in Sudan's White Nile State with 12 people missing. This follows another deadly capsizing days earlier that killed 21, highlighting chronic river safety issues.

"The Sudan Doctors Network called on the relevant authorities to review all river boats, enforce safety regulations and ensure life-saving equipment to prevent similar tragedies. - Sudan Doctors Network"

Khartoum, Feb 15

At least 12 people went missing after a boat carrying 16 passengers capsized in the Wad Al-Zaki area in central Sudan's White Nile State, according to volunteers and eyewitnesses.

"A ferry carrying 16 people, including women, sank in Wad Al-Zaki. Four passengers were rescued, while search operations are still underway," the Sudan Doctors Network, a volunteer group, said in a statement on Saturday (local time).

An eyewitness told Xinhua that the boat sank while crossing between the village of Wad Al-Jatra on the western bank of the White Nile and Wad Al-Zaki on the eastern bank to attend a wedding, with 12 people reported missing.

Photos and videos circulated on social media showed small boats combing the river as volunteers joined rescue efforts, while dozens of residents gathered along the banks of the Nile to follow the search, reports Xinhua news agency.

The incident came just days after another ferry sank in the River Nile State in northern Sudan, killing 21 people. The Sudan Doctors Network called on the relevant authorities to review all river boats, enforce safety regulations and ensure life-saving equipment to prevent similar tragedies.

In Sudan, where bridges are scarce, especially in rural areas, frequent accidents involve overloaded traditional wooden boats used to cross the Nile. Civil defence authorities have repeatedly warned of their dangers, particularly during flood seasons.

Earlier, on February 11, at least 15 people died after a passenger ferry sank in the River Nile State in northern Sudan.

According to sources, the wooden boat was travelling between the villages of Tayba Al-Khawad and Deim Al-Qarai, carrying more than 27 passengers, including women, elderly people and children.

A source said the boat capsized due to high waves, noting that civil defence units rushed to the scene and recovered more than 15 bodies, and that eight people survived while about four others remain missing.

Meanwhile, the Sudan Doctors Network, a voluntary group, also confirmed the accident in a statement, noting that more than 15 bodies had been recovered and six people survived, while local residents and civil defence forces are continuing to search for the remaining missing passengers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Tragic news. It's a stark reminder that safety regulations are not just paperwork. Overloading boats is a common problem in many parts of India too, especially during festivals. Authorities need to be proactive, not reactive after such incidents.
A
Aman W
Second major accident in days! The Sudan Doctors Network is right to call for reviews. When will governments learn? In our own country, we see similar tragedies on rivers and during monsoon floods. Enforcement of safety is key.
S
Sarah B
The resilience of the volunteers and local residents joining the search is commendable. In the face of government inaction, community effort shines through. Hope they find the missing soon.
V
Vikram M
This is so sad. "Scarce bridges in rural areas" – this line hits hard. Development often overlooks the most basic needs of people living away from cities. Thoughts with Sudan, and a lesson for all nations to invest in rural infrastructure.
K
Karthik V
While my heart goes out to the victims, I must respectfully say the article could provide more context. What are the specific safety regulations being ignored? What is the government's response? More details would help readers understand the systemic failure.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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