At least 25 people, including children, have died and dozens remain missing after an overcrowded boat capsized on the Fimi River in central Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, officials and residents confirmed.
The vessel, reportedly carrying over 100 passengers, had departed from the town of Inongo, northeast of Kinshasa, before capsizing just a few hundred yards into its journey.
David Kalemba, Inongo’s river commissioner, attributed the tragedy to overloading, particularly at the roof level, stating, “At least 25 lifeless bodies have been recovered so far.”
Local resident Alex Mbumba noted that the boat was also loaded with goods, further increasing its instability. “Among the dead are children, but it’s difficult to determine an exact toll at this stage,” he added.
This marks the fourth boat disaster this year in Mai-Ndombe province, a region heavily reliant on river transportation. Overcrowded boats have become a common hazard as residents, unable to afford public transport on poorly maintained roads, turn to unsafe wooden vessels.
In October, 78 people drowned in the country’s east when a similarly overloaded boat sank, and another 80 perished in June near Kinshasa.
The latest tragedy has reignited calls for improved safety measures. “The government must act to enhance safety on our rivers. Navigation conditions here are dangerous,” said Mbumba, emphasizing the urgent need for flotation devices and enforcement of water transport regulations.
In a nation where conflicts frequently disrupt road access, the reliance on river transport continues to grow, despite its inherent risks. Officials have repeatedly warned against overloading but face challenges in enforcing regulations in remote areas.
This year alone, hundreds have died or gone missing in boat accidents, highlighting the critical need for safety reforms in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s river transportation system.
