Two separate boat accidents in northwestern Congo this week have left nearly 200 people dead or missing, underscoring the dangers of river transport in the vast Central African nation.
The most recent tragedy occurred Thursday in Lukolela territory, Equateur Province, where a vessel carrying almost 500 passengers caught fire and capsized on the Congo River. Authorities confirmed 107 deaths, while another 146 remain unaccounted for. Survivors were rescued by local villagers and humanitarian teams.
Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, another overloaded wooden boat capsized in Basankusu territory, claiming at least 86 lives, with dozens more still missing. State media attributed the disaster to “improper loading and night navigation.” Images shared from the scene showed grieving families gathered around recovered bodies.
A Recurring Tragedy
Civil society groups say the true death toll may be even higher, accusing the government of neglect and insufficient regulation of river transport. Authorities have yet to issue a detailed response.
Boat accidents are tragically common in the DRC, where rivers serve as the main arteries of transport in regions with poor road infrastructure. Many vessels are made of wood, routinely overloaded with passengers and goods, and sail without life jackets. Nighttime navigation – a widespread practice – further complicates rescue efforts, leaving many bodies unaccounted for.
Calls for Action
The double tragedy has sparked renewed calls for tighter enforcement of safety standards and investment in safer transport infrastructure. For communities along the Congo River, however, overloaded boats remain the only affordable option for travel and trade.