Article: The tragic consequences of the sinking of the whaleboat MAPAMBOLI in Mbandaka
A tragedy shook the town of Mbandaka, in the province of Équateur, with the sinking of the wooden whaling boat “MAPAMBOLI”. The events took place at the river port of BANKITA, during a night maneuver. More than 300 passengers were on board the boat, as well as various cargoes of goods.
Unfortunately, the toll is heavy with 50 confirmed victims and 167 people still missing. Provincial Minister of Health, Humanitarian Action, Didier MBULA, announced these provisional figures, but it has yet to be determined precisely how many people were able to be saved.
The first elements of the investigation show that the sinking was mainly due to the overloading of the whaleboat and the violation of the ban on night navigation on the Congo River. These safety rules were put in place by the government to avoid such accidents, but unfortunately, they were not respected.
Local and national authorities are heavily criticized for their lack of oversight and control of maritime safety. Many voices are being raised to demand stricter measures and accountability for those involved in this tragedy.
In addition to the victims, the tragedy also has consequences on the survivors. More than 200 survivors have been identified, but many find themselves in a precarious situation, without means of transport to reach their villages. The authorities are called upon to intervene quickly to provide assistance to survivors and facilitate their safe return to their families.
This sinking also raises questions about disaster preparedness and response capacity in Équateur province. It is necessary to strengthen the public services responsible for ensuring the safety of citizens and to improve the surveillance and control mechanisms of river craft.
In conclusion, the sinking of the MAPAMBOLI whaleboat in Mbandaka is a tragedy which reminds us of the importance of respecting safety rules at all times. This story highlights the disastrous consequences of overloading and nighttime shipping, as well as gaps in maritime surveillance and security. It is essential that measures are taken to avoid such accidents in the future and to guarantee the safety of travelers on Congolese waterways.