Prime Minister Sherif Ismail ordered Friday to launch an immediate investigation into the sinking of a ferryboat in the Nile River in the Delta city of Kafr el Sheikh.

Fifteen persons were killed in the accident that occurred on Thursday.

Ismail also directed Local Development Minister Ahmed Zaki Badr and Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali to properly handle repercussions for the accident.

The premier stressed the need to apply strict safety measures to operate such ferryboats.

Ismail directed Badr and Transport Minister Saad El Gioushi to act to have one body, which should be tasked with issuing and renewing licenses of the ferryboats.

On Thursday, the ferryboat, carrying 18 people, sank in the Nile River in Kafr el Sheikh, leaving 15 dead, while three were rescued.

The ferry was transferring people between two towns in Kafr el Sheikh and Behaira governorates when the accident occurred.

Wali said families of each of the 15 persons who drowned when their ferryboat capsized in the Nile River would receive EGP 10,000, while the injured will receive EGP 5,000 in compensation.

Source: MENA