Syrian authorities say death toll rises to 6 in Deir ez-Zor ferry accident
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management on Tuesday said that three people, including two children, remain missing after a ferry sank in the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria.
In a statement, the Syrian Civil Defense said the latest information indicates that a child identified as Watan al-Sa’lu and another child from the al-Ahmad family remain missing.
The accident occurred on July 12, when the ferry, carrying more than 35 passengers, including women and children, collided with a temporary floating military bridge in the city.
The update followed coordination with relevant authorities and the families of those reported missing in Deir ez-Zor, the agency said.
Civil Defense officials noted that there is still no accurate information on the total number of passengers aboard the ferry at the time of the accident or the exact number of survivors.
Search and rescue teams, working alongside the Ministry of Defense and local residents, continue efforts to locate the missing, deploying all available resources in the ongoing operation.
The Civil Defense confirmed that the death toll has risen to six, including four children.
The ferry sank after striking the newly installed floating military bridge, highlighting the transportation challenges facing residents of Deir ez-Zor, where damage to several bridges across the Euphrates has forced many people to rely on river ferries despite the risks.