A ferry transporting day laborers on the Nile River near Egypt’s capital sank on February 26, 2024, leading to the confirmed death of 10 of the 15 passengers, according to law enforcement.
The calamity unfolded near Monshat el-Kanater in Giza, a region that has been grappling with issues related to ferry travel safety.
The Ministry of Manpower issued a statement confirming that five survivors were hospitalized but later discharged in stable health. The ministry also declared that compensation will be provided for the bereaved families, with approximately $6,466 given to each family of the deceased and about $646 to every survivor. The precise reason for the ferry capsizing remains undisclosed.
The laborers were en route to their jobs at a local construction firm when the incident took place. The operation to recover the bodies of the victims lasted numerous hours, with local media broadcasting footage of the rescue efforts.
Transportation accidents are not uncommon in Giza, a part of the Greater Cairo area. These mishaps, involving ferries, railways, and roads, typically occur due to inadequate upkeep and lack of regulation.
This accident adds to the growing list of transportation tragedies in Egypt. In 2022, a truck falling off a ferry into the Nile resulted in two fatalities and eight missing individuals. In 2015, a collision between a passenger boat and a scow on the Nile led to 35 deaths.
Boat travel is a routine practice for many Egyptians, particularly in Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta. The Nile River also serves as a favored site for national holiday celebrations.
The recent Nile ferry incident underscores the urgent need for Egypt to improve maintenance and strengthen regulation of transportation. Ensuring the safety of laborers, who risk their lives daily to earn a livelihood, is crucial.
While it is critical to provide support to affected families, it is equally necessary to channel resources toward preventative measures to avoid such sorrowful incidents in the future. This entails regular safety checks, upkeep activities, and strict adherence to safety standards.
