Over 50 people have died, and dozens remain missing after a boat capsized on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Equateur province.
The tragedy occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning, near the town of Mayita, approximately 40 kilometers from Mbandaka.
The boat, Fortune HB Jado, was carrying about 100 passengers when it sank.
It was en route from Mbandaka to Mobenzani market in Bomongo territory.
The incident occurred when the boat’s roof collapsed during docking maneuvers.
According to Maitre Kolomba Mampunia, provincial head of the Red Cross, the current death toll exceeds 50, with rescue teams still searching for the missing.
Mboyo Loyoko, Mbandaka’s river commissioner, blamed the incident on overloading and non-compliance with navigational safety standards, including night travel on the river.
Equateur province Governor Bobo Boloko Bolumbu confirmed that a Red Cross team had been dispatched to assist with recovery efforts.
Humanitarian aid has also been mobilized as search operations continue.
The incident highlights the dangers of overcrowded boats on the Congo River, where navigational safety regulations are often overlooked.
The search for survivors is ongoing, and local authorities are urging stronger safety measures to prevent future disasters.
