At least 38 people, including children, lost their lives, and over 100 remain missing after an overcrowded ferry capsized on the Busira in Northern Eastern Congo. Officials and local residents fear the death toll could rise significantly as rescue operations continue.
The ill-fated vessel, reportedly carrying over 100 passengers, departed from the town of Inongo, northeast of the capital Kinshasa. However, some local officials estimate the number of passengers could have been closer to 400, given that the ferry made multiple stops at ports, including Ingende and Loolo, before the accident occurred. It capsized just a few hundred meters into its journey.
David Kalemba, Inongo's river commissioner, cited overloading as a primary cause of the tragedy. "There was overloading at roof level, and as far as the lifeless human bodies are concerned, at least 38 have been recovered so far," Kalemba said.
Local residents and eyewitnesses told the local media that children were among the victims and emphasised the difficulty of determining an accurate death toll due to the large number of passengers and goods on board.
Overcrowding and poor safety measures are chronic issues plaguing Congo's river transportation system. Despite repeated government warnings and promises to enforce safety regulations, accidents remain alarmingly common. In October, at least 78 people drowned in eastern Congo when an overloaded boat sank, while a similar incident near Kinshasa in June resulted in 80 deaths.
As search and rescue operations continue, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards and improved oversight of river transport in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Rescue operation at the Busira river (file photo)

Overloading of boat at roof level and was also carrying huge cargo

Overloaded Ferry Capsizes in Congo, 38 Dead, over 100 Missing

Overloading of boat at roof level and was also carrying huge cargo

December 22, 2024 | 09:52 IST