News: Shipwreck of a whaleboat in the Democratic Republic of Congo
On August 15, a tragic accident took place on the Lukeni River, in Oshwe, in the province of Maï-Ndombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A whaleboat carrying more than 300 passengers, mostly government officials heading to Kutu for a duty check, was wrecked, killing at least 7 people. Several hundred missing are also to be deplored.
According to the testimonies collected on the spot, the boat would have sunk after having broken in two in full navigation. The local authorities point to the overloading and the defective state of the whaleboat as factors contributing to this drama. Civil society and the police have confirmed this information and the death toll of 7 is still provisional.
Following this accident, the acting commander of the local police recommended to the river commissioner to control all the boats which will sail in order to avoid new tragedies. The authorities are also launching search operations to find the missing in the hope of saving them.
This tragic event highlights the security challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly with regard to river transport. It also raises questions about compliance with safety standards and the regulation of watercraft used to transport passengers.
It is essential that steps be taken to enhance safety on Congolese waterways and prevent such accidents in the future. The protection of human lives must be an absolute priority and the authorities must ensure that the boats used comply with the safety standards in force.
This tragic incident should serve as a reminder of the need to ensure transport safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The government and relevant authorities must work together to put in place strict regulations, strengthen controls and raise awareness of safety standards to prevent further tragedies.
The Congolese population needs to feel safe when using the country’s waterways. It is therefore crucial to take adequate measures to prevent such accidents and protect everyone’s life.
In conclusion, the sinking of the whaler on the Lukeni River in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a tragedy that cost the lives of several people. This event raises questions about the safety of river transport in the country and highlights the need for stricter regulations and preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future