An overcrowded boat tragically capsized on the Fimi River in central Congo, resulting in the loss of at least 25 lives, including children, with dozens more individuals still missing. The ill-fated vessel, which departed from Inongo, northeast of Kinshasa, was carrying over 100 passengers when it overturned just a few hundred meters into its journey.
Local officials and residents are currently engaged in a search and rescue operation to locate the missing individuals, amidst fears that the death toll could rise significantly. David Kalemba, Inongo's river commissioner, confirmed the recovery of 25 lifeless bodies so far, attributing the accident to overloading, particularly at the roof level.
Alex Mbumba, a resident of the area, noted that the capsized boat was also laden with goods, complicating the retrieval efforts. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain due to the high passenger count on the vessel.
This incident marks the fourth boat wreck in the Maï-Ndombe province this year, highlighting the dangers of river transportation in the region. While Congolese authorities have repeatedly cautioned against overloading and pledged to enforce safety regulations, the prevalence of such accidents persists, especially in remote areas where waterways serve as vital transportation routes.
Notably, previous tragedies in October and June claimed the lives of 78 and 80 individuals, respectively, further underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on Congo's waterways. Calls have been made for the government to provide flotation devices in the province to mitigate future risks and safeguard passengers.
As the community mourns the lives lost in this latest maritime disaster, there is a collective plea for improved navigation conditions and stricter adherence to safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies from recurring in the future.
