50-year-old fisherman drowns while retrieving net in Aweil East

AWEIL – A 50-year-old man has drowned after an incident at River Lol in Dhiak village, Madhol Payam of Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, police have confirmed.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening as a group of fishermen were fishing along the river. Speaking to this publication on Tuesday, the Police Inspector of Madhol Payam, Aluat Yak, said the deceased was identified as Mapuol Chuor.

According to Yak, the tragedy unfolded when one of the fishermen, Akot Akot Lual, lost his fishing net after throwing it into the river. Several fishermen, including Mapuol, attempted to dive into the water to retrieve the net.

“Four of the men managed to return safely, but Mapuol, who was among the divers, failed to resurface,” Yak said. “Efforts by skilled divers to rescue him were unsuccessful, and his body was later found floating in the river.”

A local resident, Deng Aduol, said the death shocked the entire village, noting that Mapuol was widely known as an experienced diver who often helped retrieve people and property during floods.

“The late Mapuol was famous for rescuing others and recovering lost items from the river, especially during the flood season,” Aduol said. “It is difficult for the community to understand how such a skilled diver could die this way.”

Following the incident, tensions rose in the area, with some residents demanding that the case be treated as a matter of blood compensation. Others alleged foul play, claims that local authorities have dismissed. Police confirmed that Akot Akot Lual is currently in custody as investigations continue, though authorities say there was no intent to harm Mapuol.

Fishing remains a key source of livelihood for many communities along South Sudan’s rivers. However, residents and local leaders say such tragedies highlight the lack of safety equipment, rescue tools, and formal training for fishermen, increasing the risks faced by those who depend on rivers for survival.