A boat overloaded with passengers has capsized on a river in the central region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, including children, while many others remain unaccounted for, as reported by local officials and residents.
The vessel, which reportedly carried over 100 people, departed from Inongo, located northeast of the capital, Kinshasa, on Tuesday. It sank just a few hundred meters into its journey along the Fimi River.
Rescue operations for the missing individuals commenced shortly after the incident.
“There was significant overloading at the roof level, and so far, at least 25 lifeless bodies have been recovered,” stated David Kalemba, the river commissioner for Inongo.
According to local resident Alex Mbumba, the capsized boat was also carrying various goods. “Among the deceased are children … the boat was heavily populated,” Mbumba informed africa24hrs.
Fatal boat incidents are prevalent in the DRC, where vessels are often overloaded. The country has limited paved roads across its extensive forested areas, making river travel a common mode of transportation.
In October, at least 78 individuals drowned when a boat, reportedly carrying hundreds, capsized on Lake Kivu in the eastern part of the country. Additionally, another 80 people perished in a similar incident on the Kwa River, approximately 70 kilometers from Mushie in Mai-Ndombe province, near Kinshasa, in June.
This recent tragedy marks the fourth such incident this year in Mai-Ndombe province, a region surrounded by rivers, leading to increased calls for the government to provide flotation devices.
“The government must take action to enhance safety on our province’s waters, as navigation conditions are perilous,” Mbumba emphasized.
