KINSHASA, CONGO – A boat carrying more than 270 passengers capsized on the Kwa River near the capital, Kinshasa, resulting in a tragic loss of life, President Félix Tshisekedi announced Wednesday. The incident, which occurred late Monday in Maï-Ndombe province, has claimed at least 86 lives, with many more feared dead.
This latest tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of overloading in the central African nation’s water transportation system. Earlier this year, a similar incident resulted in numerous fatalities when another overloaded vessel sank. The boat involved in Monday’s accident was locally made and was en route to Kinshasa when it experienced engine failure, according to local authorities.
Ren Maker, the water commissioner for the Mushi district, reported that the boat was carrying 271 passengers when it broke down. The vessel struck the riverbank and disintegrated, leaving 185 survivors who managed to swim to safety. The accident occurred approximately 43 miles from the nearest city, Mushie.
Congolese officials have repeatedly warned against overloading boats and have pledged to enforce stricter safety regulations. However, in remote regions, many residents rely on these overloaded boats due to a lack of affordable public transportation options and limited road infrastructure.
The government has vowed to take action against those who violate safety measures, but enforcement remains a challenge in the country’s more isolated areas. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety standards and infrastructure development to prevent future accidents.
As rescue operations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives and calls for immediate measures to ensure the safety of its waterways.