Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-27 14:16:55
A tragic event occurred on Monday in Egypt, as a ferry carrying day laborers sank in the Nile River just outside of the capital city of Cairo. Out of the 15 people on board, at least 10 lost their lives in this devastating accident. The Ministry of Manpower reported that the five survivors were taken to a hospital for treatment and later discharged. The cause of the ferry sinking was not immediately known.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Manpower announced that they would be providing compensation to the families of the deceased. Each family would receive 200,000 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to around $6,466, while the five injured individuals would receive 20,000 Egyptian pounds, or around $646. This financial support is intended to help the families cope with the loss of their loved ones and assist the injured in their recovery.
The day laborers were on their way to work at a local construction firm when the ferry sank. It took rescue teams several hours to retrieve the bodies from the river. Local media outlets shared live-stream videos on social media platforms, showing divers searching for the deceased while villagers anxiously waited on the riverbanks. The tragic incident occurred in Monshat el-Kanater, a town located in the Giza province, one of the three provinces that make up Greater Cairo.
The use of boats for transportation is common in Egypt, particularly in areas like Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta. Sailing along the Nile is not only a means of travel but also a popular leisure activity, especially during holidays in the country. However, accidents like the ferry sinking highlight the risks associated with water transportation in Egypt.
Ferry, railway, and road accidents are all too common in Egypt, often attributed to poor maintenance and a lack of regulations. In 2022, a similar tragedy occurred when two people died and eight went missing after a truck slid off a ferry and plunged into the Nile. Additionally, in 2015, 35 individuals lost their lives in a collision between a passenger boat and a scow on the Nile. These incidents underscore the need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent future accidents and protect the lives of those who depend on waterways for transportation.
The sinking of the ferry in the Nile River serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by individuals who rely on boats for their livelihoods in Egypt. As the authorities investigate the cause of the accident and provide support to the families of the victims, efforts must be made to improve safety standards and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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