South Sudanese cross the Nile in a ferry.

South Sudan: More than 200 civilians in South Sudan have drowned in a Nile ferry accident while fleeing fighting in town of Malakal, an army spokesman says.

Philip Aguer confirmed the incident, which happened on Sunday.

Some 355,000 people have been displaced by the fighting between the South Sudanese government and rebel forces, according to the UN.

Malakal is the gateway to the oilfields of the Upper Nile region and the town has seen fighting in recent days.

The UN also estimates that more than 1,000 people have died in the conflict.

Talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in the month-long conflict are taking place in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 after a long and bloody conflict, to become the world's newest state.