At Least 21 Dead After Boat Capsizes on Nile in Sudan
Last update: February 12, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
Authorities say several passengers still missing after vessel capsizes in River Nile State.
At least 21 people drowned when a boat sank in the Nile River in northern Sudan, according to the local state government and eyewitnesses who spoke to reporters.
River Nile State authorities said on Thursday that 21 bodies had been recovered following the accident. Officials released the names of the victims and warned that additional passengers were still missing.
The boat was crossing the river between the villages of Tayba al Khawad and Deim al Qarai when it went down, the local government said. The cause of the accident was not immediately disclosed.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that around 30 people were on board at the time of the sinking.
The Sudanese Doctors Network said six passengers survived the incident.
In a statement, the group said the tragedy highlighted the fragility of river transport, the lack of basic safety measures and the absence of local authorities and civil defence rescue teams during the early hours after the boat capsized.
Many Sudanese depend on river crossings using small single engine boats operated by individual captains.
CBI News reports that the country’s infrastructure has been severely weakened by nearly three years of war. The conflict has split Sudan between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leading to road closures and a sharp decline in public services as well as medical and educational facilities.
