Tragic shipwreck on the Lolonga River in Ecuador, October 2023
On the night of Saturday to Sunday October 22, 2023, a devastating shipwreck occurred on the Lolonga River, near the village of Boyeka, in the Mapoko sector of the Bolomba territory, located approximately 180 km upstream from the town of Mbandaka, capital of the province of Equateur. This tragic incident caused the death of at least 18 people, the disappearance of several others and left nearly 200 survivors.
According to initial information from the administrator of the Bolomba territory, Didon Ifete, the sinking involved a wooden Bolomba whaleboat which was transporting passengers and goods from the Gbondo market to the town of Mbandaka. The person responsible for the whaling boat was unfortunately among the victims found lifeless.
Local authorities establish a direct link between this sinking and the overloading of the whaleboat as well as the violation of navigation measures. This is the second nighttime shipwreck on the Congo River in the space of a week, after that of the whaler HB Mapamboli which caused the death of more than 50 people on October 13.
These recurring tragedies raise questions about safety and shipwreck prevention measures on Congolese waterways. Local and national authorities will have to take stricter measures to guarantee the safety of airfarers and passengers.
This new shipwreck on the Lolonga River is a tragic reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the need to put in place adequate measures to prevent such events. The families of the victims are plunged into mourning and the local community is in a state of shock. It is essential that the authorities take measures to avoid new tragedies of this kind in the future.
In conclusion, this shipwreck on the Lolonga River in Ecuador is a painful reminder of the dangers faced by passengers and sailors on Congolese waterways. It is imperative that enhanced safety measures are put in place to prevent such accidents in the future and ensure the safety of everyone who uses these vital transport routes.