Over 50 Dead in Boat Capsize on Lake Kivu in Eastern Congo

Over 50 Dead in Boat Capsize on Lake Kivu in Eastern Congo

A tragic boating accident occurred on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo on Thursday, resulting in at least 50 fatalities. Witnesses reported that a boat, which was severely overloaded, capsized near the Kituku port while attempting to dock.

The vessel was traveling from Minova in South Kivu province to Goma in North Kivu province. Local authorities confirmed that rescue teams recovered around 50 bodies, with 10 survivors taken to a nearby hospital. The exact number of passengers on board remains unclear, but officials believe there were about 100, far exceeding the boat’s capacity of 30.

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Congo, where overcrowding on boats is common and maritime regulations are frequently ignored. South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi emphasized the dangers of overloading and the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures.

This accident follows a pattern of deadly incidents on Lake Kivu. Earlier this year, 80 people died in a similar boat sinking near Kinshasa, and other recent accidents have claimed numerous lives.

Witnesses described the harrowing scene as the boat began to capsize. “It started to lose its balance and sank into the lake,” said Francine Munyi, who was present at the port. Survivors, like Neema Chimanga, recounted their terrifying experience of trying to escape the sinking vessel.

In light of the recent violence in the region, many locals have turned to maritime transport as a safer alternative to the increasingly dangerous roads. However, this latest disaster has sparked outrage among residents who blame authorities for failing to ensure safe travel conditions.

As rescue operations continue, families of the victims mourn their loved ones, with many calling for improved safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

Source: Africa News