DR Congo: Boat accidents leave over 190 dead, scores missing DW 09/13/2025

"One boat carrying nearly 500 passengers capsized after catching fire while traveling on the Congo River near Malange village, Lukolela territory, on Thursday evening, the Ministry of Social Affairs said. In a report, the ministry said 209 survivors had been rescued, while 146 people were missing. The boat drifted downstream as it burned, the report said, adding that the fire had destroyed the vessel's cargo and ignited 15 homes on the riverbank."

"On Wednesday, at least 86 people most of them students died after a motorized boat capsized at the confluence of the Nsolo and Great Maringa rivers in Basankusu territory, according to state media. Several people were still missing, although it was unclear how many. State media said eight survivors were rescued from the water by local residents. The accident was caused by "improper loading and night navigation," according to the report, which is "formally prohibited," civil society activist Akula Mboyo said."

"Such accidents are frequent in Congo, where river transport is an important mode of travel, particularly as public infrastructure is limited in the country's sprawling rainforest regions. Old, poorly maintained and often overloaded vessels are the main form of transport between the region's villages. Limited resources, remote locations and the fact that many journeys are held at night, despite rules to the contrary, also hinder rescue efforts."

Two separate boat accidents in Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo killed at least 193 people and left many others missing or rescued. On Thursday evening near Malange village in Lukolela territory, a boat with nearly 500 passengers caught fire, drifted downstream and capsized; 209 survivors were rescued and 146 people were reported missing, and the blaze destroyed cargo and ignited 15 riverside homes. On Wednesday at the confluence of the Nsolo and Great Maringa rivers in Basankusu territory, a motorized boat capsized, killing at least 86 people, mostly students; eight survivors were reported. Overloading, poor maintenance, night navigation and limited rescue resources contribute to frequent river accidents in the region.

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