Iraqi civil defense officials said that 100 people died on the ferry and dozens of people were injured.

Many of the dead were women and children who could be seen struggling to swim against a strong current.

In a statement by Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of many lives of our Iraqi brethren caused by the sinking of a ferry on Tigris River in Iraq, on 21st of March 2019."

"We pray for Allah’s mercy for the deceased, wish a speedy recovery to the injured, and convey our condolences to the people of Iraq especially to the families of the victims," the ministry said.

ILKHA