At Least 193 Dead in Two Tragic Boat Accidents in Northwestern Congo
Two separate mishaps in Equateur province highlight poor safety standards on overcrowded river vessels
KINSHASA, Sep 13: At least 193 people have died in two separate boat accidents this week in northwestern Congo’s Equateur province, with dozens still missing, authorities and state media reported.
The first accident occurred on Wednesday (September 10, 2025), when a motorised boat capsized in Basankusu territory, killing at least 86 people, most of them students. State media attributed the tragedy to “improper loading and night navigation.”
A day later, on Thursday evening (September 11, 2025), another vessel carrying nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized along the Congo River in Lukolela territory. The humanitarian affairs ministry confirmed at least 107 deaths from the whaleboat mishap near Malange village, with 209 survivors rescued.
Local civil society groups alleged the toll could be higher and blamed authorities for failing to enforce safety standards.
Overloaded, poorly maintained wooden vessels remain a common mode of transport in Congo, where roads are limited. Lack of life jackets, night travel, and overcrowding often make rescue operations difficult and lead to high casualty numbers.
Authorities have yet to clarify the causes of the accidents or confirm if search and rescue operations are continuing.
