Capsizing of a Boat in the Tigris River in Iraq; 72 Dead and Dozens Missing

Iraqi hospital and security sources report that at least 72 people lost their lives in the capsizing of a boat in the Tigris River, with dozens more missing. Reports indicate that most of the passengers on this recreational boat were children and women. According to some reports, the passengers were traveling to a tourist town near Mosul for the Nowruz holiday. Civil defense officials in Mosul state that the boat had over 100 passengers, most of whom could not swim. Another local official mentioned that the boat was carrying twice its capacity. Previously, government officials had warned travelers about the rising water levels of the Tigris River and that they had opened the dam gates due to recent heavy rainfall. Video footage from the incident shows the boat capsized, with several passengers struggling to stay afloat in the fast-moving water. It is reported that the passengers intended to go to 'Um Rabi'in Island', located 4 kilometers north of this recreational center, which is a popular destination due to the Nowruz celebrations. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi has ordered an immediate investigation into the capsizing of the boat in the Tigris River.