Death Toll in Egypt Boat Collision Climbs to 21

Nine passengers managed to swim to shore and five others were injured.

The vessels collided Wednesday night off Cairo’s Al-Warraq neighborhood, located on the east bank of the Nile.

EFE saw anguished friends and relatives gathered on the shore as bodies were recovered and a family member of one of the dead tried to leap into the river in a fit of despair.

The Interior Ministry said Wednesday night in a statement that 15 people were killed and six injured.

Prosecutors on Thursday ordered that the skipper and three crew members from the cargo scow be held for at least four days while investigations continue, state-run news agency Mena said.

The detainees could face charges for involuntary manslaughter and violation of maritime transportation regulations.