Ferry Overload Tragedy: 38 Dead, Over 100 Missing in DR Congo River Capsize

At least 38 people have died, and more than 100 others are missing after an overloaded ferry capsized late Friday on the Busira River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The ferry, part of a convoy of vessels, was carrying passengers—primarily merchants—traveling home for Christmas.

The tragedy occurred near Boende in the country’s northeast, following stops in Ingende and Loolo. Joseph Kangolingoli, mayor of Ingende, confirmed the vessel was overcrowded, with reports suggesting over 400 people were aboard. Only 20 passengers have been rescued so far.

This marks the second major ferry disaster in the region in under a week; 25 lives were lost in a similar incident just four days earlier.

Local officials and residents have long criticized the government’s failure to enforce boat safety regulations. Overloaded vessels have become a common means of transportation in remote areas where poor road conditions and insecurity deter travel by land.

“Why are ships allowed to navigate at night without proper oversight?” questioned Nesty Bonina, a prominent figure in Mbandaka, Equateur Province, where the accident occurred. Bonina also condemned the lack of flotation devices on the vessels.

The DRC has seen several fatal ferry accidents in recent months, with 78 people drowning in October and 80 others losing their lives in June. Many of these tragedies highlight systemic issues, including inadequate infrastructure and lax enforcement of safety standards.