Rescue teams are currently in the process of searching for 167 individuals who are still unaccounted for following the capsizing of a boat in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, according to officials.
The incident, which occurred on the Congo River, resulted in the recovery of over 40 bodies and the rescue of 189 survivors.
The boat had been carrying more than 300 passengers and cargo, and it was reported to be overloaded.
Boat transport is a common means of travel in the DR Congo due to the limited road infrastructure, but accidents involving boats are frequent due to issues like overloading, inadequate maintenance, and nighttime travel.
Additionally, many passengers do not wear life jackets, and officials noted that the boat had violated safety regulations by traveling at night.
Moise Katumbi, a prominent opposition leader and presidential candidate in the country’s December election, expressed his sadness over the tragedy. He argued that it was a “direct consequence” of the government’s tolerance of overnight navigation by dilapidated and overloaded boats.
The provincial government of Equateur, where the accident occurred, announced plans to provide psychological support for children who were injured in the accident and lost their parents.
According to reports, more than 40 bodies have been recovered so far, although a local civil society organization, Conscious Generation, cited a slightly higher figure of 50.
A survivor recounted that the boat had been en route from the city of Mbandaka to the Bolomba area in northwestern Equateur province when it stalled and lost balance due to overcrowding.
While the crew attempted to rebalance the boat, it capsized with passengers and cargo, eventually sinking.
On a somber note, the vice-governor of Equateur province made arrangements for body bags and coffins to be used for the burial of some of the victims on Sunday.
Source-BBC
