The passenger ferry was carrying 30 people at the time of the incident.

10:11, Thu, Feb 12, 2026 Updated: 10:51, Thu, Feb 12, 2026

The ship on Nile River, Khartoum, Sudan

(FILE PICTURE) At least 21 people died after the boat capsized and sank (Image: Getty)

At least 21 people have died after a boat carrying dozens of passengers capsized and sank in the river Nile. The passenger ferry carrying 30 people capsized on Wednesday, February 12 in the Tayba-Al-Khawad area of Sudan.

The boat was crossing the river between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai when tragedy struck. A source reported that the boat overturned in a stretch of the river north of Khartoum due to rough waters, prompting civil defence teams to rush to the scene and begin rescue and recovery efforts. Witnessing the incident local residents raced to help with the incident effort.

Only eight passengers survived the tragic accident, while 21 lost their lives and one person remains missing.

In a statement the Sudan Doctors Network said the tragedy highlights "the fragility of river transport". The statement read: “This painful humanitarian tragedy once again reveals the fragility of river transport and the absence of basic safety requirements, in addition to the complete absence of local authorities and civil defence rescue teams in the early hours of the incident.

“[This] exacerbated the scale of the disaster.”

Sudan’s civil defence authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers of travelling in traditional wooden boats, particularly during the flood season, in an effort to prevent drowning incidents.

The latest news from around the world Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Despite these risks, such boats are widely used to transport people across the Nile due to the limited number of bridges linking the river’s two banks, especially in rural and village areas.

As a result, accidents involving traditional boats are common in the country.