At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat sank in River Nile state in northern Sudan, a medical group has reported. The boat was traveling between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, carrying nearly 30 passengers, including women, elderly individuals, and children, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. Rescue teams are actively working to locate any additional victims, as indicated by Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan, spokesperson for the network. Authorities confirmed the recovery of 21 bodies, while six individuals reportedly survived the incident. Eyewitnesses stated that the boat capsized due to high waves on Wednesday evening in the Shendi area. There is a call for specialized rescue teams and equipment to expedite search efforts, as the medical group stresses the need for immediate measures to ensure safety in river transport. This tragedy highlights the ongoing issues surrounding river transport safety regulations in Sudan. Many boats on the Nile are privately owned and lack proper safety measures, contributing to the frequency of such accidents. Fatalities from similar incidents often occur as traditional boats remain a primary means of transport across the Nile due to the scarcity of bridges, especially in rural areas. Additionally, Sudan is presently facing a brutal conflict that has severely impacted infrastructure and resources, further complicating rescue and safety efforts.