At least 25 persons dead, scores missing after overcrowded boat capsizes in Congo

An overcrowded boat has capsized on a river in central Congo killing at least 25 people, including children, and leaving scores missing, according to officials and locals.

After leaving the village of Inongo, northeast of Kinshasa, the vessel was believed to have around 100 passengers on board. It capsized a few hundred meters (yards) into the journey along the Fimi River, becoming the latest tragic catastrophe to afflict Congo.

A hunt for the missing began, raising concerns that the death toll could be far higher.

Inongo’s river commissioner stated that “There was overloading at roof level and, as far as the lifeless human bodies are concerned, at least 25 have been recovered so far.”

Congolese officials have often warned against overloading and vowed to punish those violating safety measures for water transportation. However, in remote areas where most passengers come from, many are unable to afford public transport for the few available roads.

Tuesday’s wreck was the fourth this year in the Maï-Ndombe province, a region surrounded by rivers and where many rely on river transportation.

At least 78 people drowned in October when an overloaded boat sank in the country’s east while 80 lost their lives in a similar accident near Kinshasa in June.

The latest accident prompted calls for the government to equip the province with flotation devices.