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FerryAccident- A passenger ferry overturned on the Nile River in northern Sudan on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 15 people, according to a medical monitoring organization. Rescue teams and local residents continued searching for several others believed to be missing after the vessel went down in the Shendi district.

Incident Reported in Northern Nile River Province

The accident occurred in the Shendi area, located in Sudan’s northern Nile River province. The ferry was reportedly carrying at least 27 passengers at the time of the incident, including women and children. The Sudan Doctors Network, a medical group that monitors developments related to the country’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian conditions, confirmed the death toll and provided initial details about the tragedy.

According to the organization, 15 bodies had been recovered from the river as of Wednesday evening. Search operations were still underway for at least six individuals who remained unaccounted for. Six passengers survived the capsizing and were rescued from the water.

Local volunteers joined formal rescue teams in combing the river and surrounding areas in hopes of locating the missing passengers. The conditions of the survivors have not yet been publicly detailed.

Calls for Specialized Rescue Support

In a statement, the Sudan Doctors Network called on authorities to deploy specialized rescue units and provide appropriate equipment to speed up recovery efforts. The group emphasized the importance of swift intervention, particularly in river accidents where time can be critical for survival.

The organization, known for documenting casualties and humanitarian concerns during Sudan’s ongoing conflict, has frequently highlighted gaps in emergency response capabilities across different regions of the country. Wednesday’s ferry accident has once again drawn attention to the challenges facing rescue operations, especially in areas where resources are limited.

Officials had not immediately released further technical details about the cause of the capsizing. It remains unclear whether mechanical failure, overloading, or strong river currents played a role in the incident. Authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Recurring Safety Concerns on Sudan’s Waterways

River travel remains an essential mode of transportation for many communities in Sudan, particularly in regions where road infrastructure is underdeveloped or affected by conflict. However, safety regulations are often inconsistently enforced, and reports of overcrowded boats are not uncommon.

Over the years, similar incidents have highlighted the risks associated with ferry travel on the Nile River and other waterways in the country. In many cases, vessels operate without sufficient life jackets, trained crew members, or proper maintenance checks. During peak travel periods, passenger numbers can exceed recommended limits, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Community leaders and safety advocates have repeatedly urged stricter oversight of river transport services. They argue that improved inspections, operator training, and public awareness campaigns could help reduce the frequency of such tragedies.

Ongoing Search and Community Impact

As recovery efforts continued, families gathered near the riverbanks awaiting news of missing relatives. The loss has deeply affected the local community in Shendi, where river crossings are part of daily life for many residents.

The ferry disaster adds to the broader humanitarian challenges facing Sudan, where conflict and economic instability have strained public services. While investigations into the exact cause are pending, the immediate priority remains locating the missing passengers and supporting the affected families.

Authorities have yet to announce whether new safety measures will be introduced following the incident. For now, the focus remains on completing the search and providing assistance to survivors and grieving relatives.