Kinshasa: Two separate boat accidents this week in northwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have resulted in the deaths of at least 193 people, with dozens still missing, as confirmed by authorities and state media.
According to Nam News Network, the accidents occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, approximately 150km apart in the Equateur province. The first incident involved a boat carrying nearly 500 passengers, which caught fire and capsized on Thursday evening along the Congo River in the Lukolela territory of the province. This tragic event resulted in the death of 107 individuals, as reported by DRC’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. While several people were reported missing, the exact number remains unspecified.
In the wake of these accidents, search operations were initiated, involving naval personnel and community volunteers who scoured the riverbanks. Authorities have committed to providing medical care for the injured, offering assistance to bereaved families, and facilitating the repatriation of survivors to their origins and intended destinations.
River transport is crucial in DRC’s expansive rainforest regions, where aged, wooden vessels are the primary means of travel between villages. This mode of transport is often favored due to its cost-effectiveness compared to the limited road options. However, the vessels frequently suffer from poor maintenance, are burdened by excessive loads of passengers and goods, and thus, accidents are a common occurrence.
Life jackets are rarely available on these journeys, and overloading is typical. Additionally, many boats operate during nighttime, complicating rescue operations during accidents and often resulting in unaccounted bodies. Rescue efforts are further challenged by limited resources and the remote locations of such incidents.