Authorities in Sudan confirmed that at least twelve people remain missing after a passenger boat capsized along the White Nile in White Nile State. Local officials said the vessel was carrying traders and families traveling between rural communities when it overturned in rough river conditions.
Rescue teams, supported by community volunteers, launched search operations shortly after the incident was reported. Survivors described overcrowding and shifting cargo as possible contributing factors. Several passengers were pulled from the water and transported to nearby clinics for treatment of minor injuries and shock.
State authorities indicated that an investigation has been opened to determine whether safety regulations were followed. River transport remains a critical lifeline for many communities in the region where road infrastructure is limited, particularly during seasonal flooding.
Humanitarian organizations expressed concern about recurring maritime accidents on inland waterways and called for improved enforcement of passenger limits and mandatory safety equipment such as life jackets. Officials also emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to reduce preventable risks.
The incident highlights broader challenges facing transportation safety in remote parts of Sudan, where economic hardship and infrastructure gaps increase reliance on informal river crossings.
Leave a comment