Kinshasa, Sep 13: At least 193 people died and dozens remain missing after two separate boat accidents in northwestern Congo this week, authorities and state media confirmed.
The deadliest incident occurred Thursday evening when a whaleboat carrying nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized on the Congo River in Lukolela territory, Equateur province. At least 209 survivors were rescued near Malange village, officials said.
A day earlier, on Wednesday, a motorised boat capsized in Basankusu territory, killing at least 86 people, most of them students, according to state media. The number of missing passengers remains unclear.
While investigations are ongoing, reports attribute Wednesday’s tragedy to overloading and night navigation. Civil society groups have accused the government of negligence and claimed the death toll is higher than officially reported.
Boat accidents are frequent in Congo, where poorly maintained, overcrowded wooden vessels often serve as the only transport option. Most lack life jackets and operate at night, making rescue operations difficult and leaving many victims unaccounted for. (Agencies)
