Devastating Congo Boat Tragedy Claims 52 Lives, Numerous Victims Still Unaccounted For
Tragedy strikes as 52 lives are lost in the Congo boat accident, with many still missing Recovery efforts are underway as authorities fear the death toll may increase further
At least 52 bodies have been retrieved from the Congo River following a boat accident, according to a provincial minister on Monday. The boat, carrying over 300 individuals, capsized near the town of Mbandaka in the northwestern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday night. With numerous people still unaccounted for, the death toll is expected to rise. Over the weekend, 30 deaths were confirmed, while 167 individuals are reported as missing.
Didier Mbula, provincial health minister for Equateur Province, told Reuters the number of dead had since risen.
An aerial photo shows the damages brought by floods and landslides in Bushushu, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 09 May 2023.
STR/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Dozens of bodies have been recovered from the Congolese lake, while search teams continue their efforts on the ground. The current death toll stands at 52, however, this number is subject to change as the teams continue their work, according to the official.
Boat accidents, resulting in fatalities, occur frequently on the rivers and lakes of Congo. This is largely due to vessels being overloaded beyond their capacity. With a vast, forested territory, the country has limited well-paved roads, making river travel a common alternative.
Transport Minister Marc Ekila stated on Monday that the capsized boat violated multiple safety guidelines. It was traveling at night, overloaded with passengers, and lacked proper identification of its owners or the accurate count of individuals onboard.
In a statement, he promised to implement rules to improve the safety of river transport and "minimize the recurring tragedies."
