A recent incident in the Nile River has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 24 lives, with 16 bodies recovered and 8 individuals still missing after a small iron boat capsized. The executive director of Shendi locality in the River Nile state, Haj Soumi, confirmed the disturbing details to Al Jazeera, highlighting that most of the deceased were women returning from a funeral service. The bodies were interred in the region of 'Daim al-Qarai.' Rescue operations continue in the hopes of finding the remaining missing persons.

The local officials have reduced this heartbreaking incident primarily to the issue of overloading; the vessel was simply not designed to accommodate the number of passengers aboard. Soumi noted that the victims were residents of 'Daim al-Qarai' who had been attending a funeral in 'Tayyibat al-Khawadh.' This situation raises severe concerns about the safety measures in place for river transport in the area.

Adding to the gravity of this incident is Soumi's acknowledgment of the criticisms regarding the fragility of river transport systems and the lack of oversight. He emphasized the urgent need for regulatory measures to govern the legal capacity of such vessels, as well as the requirement for safety equipment and regular inspections. The challenge of reaching some remote areas along the Nile further complicates the enforcement of such regulations, underscoring the pressing need for improved infrastructure and oversight to prevent future tragedies and safeguard the lives of those who depend on river transport in Sudan.