Tragedy on the Congolese river: an overloaded boat sinks, causing casualties and rekindling concerns about the safety of river navigation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The tragedy took place on the Fimi River, in the province of Maï-Ndombe. A boat from Inongo, overloaded with passengers from all walks of life, capsized a few hundred meters from the shore. Witnesses report at least 25 people dead, including children, and many missing.
Local authorities and local residents describe a chaotic scene, with an overcapacity boat also carrying goods. David Kalemba, the river commissioner of Inongo, highlights the overcrowding of the boat as a key factor in the tragedy.
The risks associated with overloaded boats are a recurring problem in the DRC, where many regions rely almost exclusively on waterways for transport. However, authorities regularly urge compliance with safety standards, calling for stricter measures to prevent such tragedies.
Locals are calling for better regulation of river navigation and for boats to be equipped with adequate flotation devices. Alex Mbumba, a local resident, stresses the urgent need to improve navigation conditions to ensure the safety of passengers.
This latest shipwreck highlights the challenges facing the DRC in terms of river transport. With land routes often impassable due to armed conflict and violence, many Congolese are forced to take overloaded boats, putting their lives at risk.
It is imperative that authorities put in place effective measures to ensure the safety of travelers on the country’s waterways. The increase in such accidents underscores the urgency of immediate action to prevent further tragic losses.
In conclusion, the tragedy on the Fimi River is a reminder of the need to strengthen the regulation and safety of river transport in the DRC. It is essential to act quickly to prevent further tragedies and protect the lives of passengers who depend on these waterways for their travel.