GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — A tragic boat accident on Lake Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has left at least 25 people rescued and approximately 40 others missing, according to local authorities and witnesses. The overcrowded vessel capsized on Tuesday, just meters from the port of Kituku near Goma, as it attempted to dock after a journey from Minova in South Kivu province.
The boat, reportedly carrying significantly more passengers than its capacity, sank in calm waters, exacerbating the ongoing issue of maritime safety in the region. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the vessel tilted and overturned, pitching passengers into the lake. “I saw people sinking, many went under. I saw women and children sinking in the water,” said survivor Alfani Buroko Byamungu, 51, from his hospital bed in Goma.
Rescue operations, involving Congolese soldiers, foreign peacekeeping troops, and local Red Cross medics, were promptly launched. So far, 25 individuals have been pulled from the water and are receiving medical treatment, but hopes are fading for the estimated 40 still unaccounted for. “It’ll take at least three days to get the exact numbers, because not all the bodies have been found yet,” said Jean-Jacques Purusi, governor of South Kivu province.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and victims’ families gathered at the port, who blame authorities for negligence and inadequate regulation. The closure of roads between Goma and Minova, due to ongoing conflict between Congolese forces and M23 rebels, has forced many to rely on maritime transport, often on overcrowded and poorly maintained vessels. “This shipwreck was predictable,” said Elia Asumani, a local shipping agent, highlighting the lack of safety measures like lifejackets and proper passenger manifests.
This is the latest in a series of deadly boat accidents in Congo, where overloading and lax safety standards are common. In October 2024, at least 78 people drowned in a similar incident on Lake Kivu, and earlier incidents this year claimed dozens more lives across the country’s waterways. Congolese authorities have vowed to investigate and enforce stricter safety regulations, but in remote areas, economic constraints and ongoing insecurity continue to drive reliance on unsafe transport options.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the community in Goma mourns the loss and braces for updates on the missing. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures to prevent further loss of life on Congo’s vital waterways.