At Least 50 Killed in Boat Capsize on Lake Kivu, Congo
A tragic boat accident on Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday has claimed the lives of at least 50 people, according to witnesses.
The boat, which was carrying an estimated 100 passengers, capsized while approaching the port of Kituku in North Kivu province. The incident occurred as the boat attempted to dock after traveling from Minova in South Kivu province.
Overcrowding and Negligence Blamed
Witnesses and local officials have attributed the accident to overcrowding and negligence. The boat had a capacity of only 30 passengers but was packed with over 100 people.
Local governor Jean-Jacques Purusi lamented the lack of safety measures on the boat, noting that there were no life jackets provided for the passengers. He also pointed to the failure of the authorities to prevent the overloading of the vessel.
Rescue Operations Ongoing
Rescue operations are still ongoing, but hopes of finding more survivors are fading. Rescue services have recovered at least 50 bodies, while 10 survivors have been taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The exact number of people on board the boat remains unclear, making it difficult to determine the final death toll.
A History of Boat Accidents
Boat accidents are unfortunately common in the DRC, where overcrowded ferries and poor safety regulations often lead to tragedies.
Just this year, there have been several deadly boat accidents on Lake Kivu and other waterways in the country. In February, 50 people drowned when a boat capsized on Lake Kivu. In June, 80 people died in a similar incident near Kinshasa.
Calls for Improved Safety
The latest accident has sparked outrage and calls for improved safety measures on waterways in the DRC. Residents and victims’ families have accused the authorities of negligence and failing to prevent the tragedy.
Officials have promised to investigate the accident and take action to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to enforce safety regulations and ensure that boats are not overloaded beyond their capacity.
Humanitarian Crisis
The boat accident has added to the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where conflict and insecurity have displaced thousands of people.
The closure of roads due to fighting has forced many people to rely on water transportation, despite the risks involved. The lack of alternative means of transport exacerbates the problem and increases the vulnerability of communities to such accidents.
The tragedy highlights the urgent need for peace and stability in the region, as well as the importance of improving transportation infrastructure and ensuring the safety of those who rely on it.
Mehek