ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraq’s leaders have expressed their dismay and horror over the tragic sinking of a ferry in Mosul that left dozens dead, mainly women and children, and have demanded a full explanation of what happened within 24 hours in order to hold to account those responsible.
Barham Salih extended his condolences to the Iraqi people, in particular the relatives of the victims of the tragedy. He is coordinating rescue efforts with the federal and regional governments as the wounded are being cared for and searches continue for the missing.
“We want to reassure everyone that this tragedy will not be without punishment for the negligent,” he stated.
The ferry, which was reportedly overloaded with revelers celebrating Newroz at a popular amusement park on the Tigris River in Mosul, went down because of a technical problem, Col. Hussam Khalil, head of Nineveh Civil Defense, told AP.
The problem was compounded by a shortage of boats in the area able to aid in rescue efforts, he added.
Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi ordered all government departments to help the victims and ordered “an immediate investigation” to reveal the truth behind the tragedy.
He gave 24 hours to identify individuals who may have been derelict in their duty.
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement extending their “deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic ferry accident on the Tigris River near Mosul.”