Dozens dead after boat capsizes on Lake Kivu – DW – October 3, 2024

On Thursday, a boat capsized in Lake Kivu in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with well over 200 people on board.

South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi was quoted by both Reuters and the Associated Press as saying that 78 people had died after a ship carrying 278 passengers capsized and sank.

The ship is reportedly overloaded

The heavily loaded ship was traveling from Minova in South Kivu province to Goma in North Kivu, a relatively short journey on the lake. AP reported that the ship sank while attempting to dock near the port of Kituku in western Goma.

AP quoted witnesses as saying the boat was visibly overcrowded.

“I was in Kituku port when I saw the boat full of passengers coming from Minova,” Francine Munyi told the AP. “It has started
lost his balance and sank into the lake. Some people threw themselves into the water.

“Many died and few were saved,” she added. “I couldn’t help them because I can’t swim.”

Local officials previously reported that up to 50 people were rescued as search and rescue efforts continued.

Road infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo is relatively underdeveloped and travelers have few options, leaving boats and ferries as the only choice for many people.

Sinking of overloaded boats is not uncommon, although local officials have warned that those who violate safety measures will be punished.

In June, 80 people died when a boat sank near the capital Kinshasa.

In January, 22 people died when their boat capsized in Lake Mai Ndombe.

More to come…

kb/msh (Reuters, AP)