What Happened to the 12 People Missing After a Boat Sank in Sudan?
Synopsis
A tragic incident unfolded in Sudan as a boat carrying 16 passengers capsized, leaving 12 individuals missing. Eyewitness accounts and volunteer efforts reveal the ongoing search for the casualties. This latest maritime tragedy highlights the urgent need for safety regulations in Sudan's waterways. Stay updated as the search continues.
Key Takeaways
12 individuals missing after a boat capsized in Sudan.
Four passengers were rescued, search operations ongoing.
Incident highlights need for improved safety regulations.
Recent similar tragedy claimed 21 lives in northern Sudan.
Frequent accidents occur due to overloaded wooden boats.
Khartoum, Feb 15 (NationPress) At least 12 individuals have gone missing following the capsizing of a boat with 16 passengers in the Wad Al-Zaki region of central Sudan's White Nile State, as reported by volunteers and witnesses.
A statement from the Sudan Doctors Network, a volunteer organization, indicated, "A ferry with 16 individuals, including women, sank in Wad Al-Zaki. Four passengers were saved, and search efforts are ongoing."
An eyewitness relayed to Xinhua that the vessel sank while navigating between the village of Wad Al-Jatra on the western side of the White Nile and Wad Al-Zaki on the eastern shore, specifically to attend a wedding, with 12 people still unaccounted for.
Images and videos circulating on social media depicted small boats scanning the river as volunteers participated in rescue missions, while numerous locals congregated along the banks of the Nile, monitoring the search, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This incident occurred just days after another ferry sank in the River Nile State of northern Sudan, resulting in the deaths of 21 individuals. The Sudan Doctors Network urged relevant authorities to assess all river vessels, implement safety regulations, and ensure the availability of life-saving equipment to avert similar disasters.
In Sudan, where bridges are limited, particularly in rural zones, there are frequent mishaps involving overloaded traditional wooden boats that are utilized to cross the Nile. Civil defense authorities have consistently cautioned about their risks, especially during flood periods.
Earlier, on February 11, at least 15 individuals lost their lives when a passenger ferry sank in the River Nile State of northern Sudan.
Sources indicated that the wooden vessel was en route between the villages of Tayba Al-Khawad and Deim Al-Qarai, carrying over 27 passengers, including women, elderly persons, and children.
It was reported that the boat capsized due to high waves. Civil defense units quickly arrived at the scene and recovered more than 15 bodies, with eight survivors and approximately four others still missing.
The Sudan Doctors Network confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that more than 15 bodies had been retrieved and six individuals were rescued, while local residents and civil defense forces continue their search for the remaining passengers.
Point of View
We at NationPress express our profound concern for the victims and their families affected by this tragic incident. It emphasizes the critical need for improved safety standards on Sudan's waterways to prevent such disasters in the future. Our commitment remains to deliver accurate and timely news while advocating for necessary changes.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were on the boat that sank?
The boat was carrying 16 passengers when it capsized.
What caused the boat to sink?
Eyewitnesses reported that the boat sank while crossing the river, possibly due to high waves.
Have any survivors been rescued?
Yes, four passengers were rescued, but 12 people are still missing.
What actions are being taken for the missing individuals?
Search operations are ongoing, with volunteers and civil defense forces actively searching the river.
What safety measures are being called for?
The Sudan Doctors Network has urged authorities to review river boats, enforce safety regulations, and ensure life-saving equipment is available.
