At least 25 killed, dozens missing after an overcrowded boat capsized in Congo
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At least 25 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more remain missing after an overcrowded boat capsized on the Fimi River in central Congo on Tuesday. The boat, which had over 100 passengers aboard, was traveling from Inongo, northeast of the capital Kinshasa, when the tragedy struck just a few hundred meters into the journey.
Officials and local residents report that the boat was overloaded with both passengers and goods, contributing to its capsizing. David Kalemba, Inongo’s river commissioner, confirmed that 25 bodies had been recovered so far, including those of children, although the exact number of casualties is difficult to determine due to the large number of people on board.
This latest disaster is part of an alarming pattern of boat accidents in Congo. The Maï-Ndombe province, where the incident occurred, is surrounded by rivers, and many locals rely on water transportation due to the limited road network. However, this reliance on boats, often overcrowded and poorly maintained, has led to a number of deadly accidents in recent months.
Local resident Alex Mbumba, who witnessed the aftermath of the capsizing, expressed his grief and frustration over the situation, highlighting the challenges in providing accurate casualty numbers given the large number of people on board. He emphasized the dangers posed by overloaded vessels and called for immediate improvements in safety measures.
This is the fourth boat accident in the Maï-Ndombe province this year alone. Previous incidents have also resulted in significant loss of life. In October, a similar tragedy occurred when an overloaded boat sank in eastern Congo, claiming 78 lives. In June, another boat disaster near Kinshasa killed 80 people. These incidents have raised concerns about the growing frequency of boat accidents in Congo, which is one of Africa’s largest and most geographically challenging countries.
Despite repeated warnings from Congolese officials about the dangers of overloading boats, the problem persists. Safety regulations are often ignored, and many boat operators continue to prioritize profit over passenger safety. Congolese authorities have pledged to punish those violating safety measures, but the lack of infrastructure and resources in remote areas makes enforcement difficult.
Many residents in rural areas of Congo have few alternatives to river travel. The country’s roads, often poorly maintained and unsafe due to ongoing conflict, are inaccessible for many, forcing people to rely on wooden boats for transport. The roads are frequently disrupted by violent clashes between Congolese security forces and rebel groups, further complicating travel and access to essential services. As a result, river transportation, while essential, remains hazardous.
The government has come under increasing pressure to address the safety issues surrounding river transport. Calls have been made for the provision of flotation devices and for better enforcement of safety regulations on boats. Local residents, including Mbumba, have urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that many Congolese citizens face daily as they navigate the country’s difficult transportation challenges. While the government has made some efforts to improve safety on watercraft, the lack of accessible roads and the ongoing security concerns make it difficult to implement long-term solutions. As more people turn to boats out of necessity, the government must take swift action to ensure that the lives of its citizens are better protected on the country’s waterways.
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