At least 193 people killed in two separate boat accidents in DR Congo

Published on 13/09/2025 - 12:25 GMT+2

At slightest 193 group were killed pursuing 2 abstracted vessel accidents this week successful northwestern Democratic Republic of nan Congo (DRC), authorities and authorities media person said.

On Thursday, a vessel carrying almost 500 passengers caught occurrence and capsized on nan Congo River successful nan Lukolela territory, Congo's humanitarian affairs ministry said. 209 survivors were rescued by vessel adjacent nan colony of Malange, it added.

Just a time prior, authorities media reported that 86 people, astir of whom were students died erstwhile a motorised vessel capsized successful nan Basankusu territory connected Wednesday. The mishap was attributed to "improper loading and nighttime navigation."

A section civilian nine group blamed Wednesday's mishap connected nan authorities and claims nan decease toll is higher.

It was not instantly clear precisely what caused either accident.

Boats capsizing has go progressively much predominant successful nan cardinal African nation, wherever stream carrier is basal for travelling betwixt villages. Many group opt to recreation by boat, arsenic it is simply a cheaper mode of carrier than travelling by road.

The aged woody vessels are often overloaded, pinch passengers and their goods, beyond their capacity, and are often not equipped pinch lifejackets. Additionally, galore boats recreation astatine night, which further complicates rescue efforts successful nan lawsuit of accidents.