Six die after boat sinks in South Sudan

November 17, 2014 (BOR) – Six people perished after a boat carrying passengers and food items sunk between Jonglei state capital, Bor and Lakes state’s Mingkaman last week.

According to police, the boat left Juba bound for Mingkaman in Awerial county on 10 November at about 2pm (local time) before later breaking part and capsizing.

Two boat operators and three others survived, including a two-year-old toddler.

One of the operators has since been jailed and will face charges over the loss of life amid allegations the boat was overloaded.

Sudan Tribune was denied access to the operator by prison officials on Saturday, who said any public comments he made on the matter could potentially prejudice the jury in the case.

Three passengers who were injured, including one who suffered burns, were treated at Bor hospital before being released, a nurse on duty told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

(ST)