DR Congo Ferry Disaster: 78 Dead, Dozens Missing

DR Congo Ferry Capsizes: 78 Dead, Dozens Missing in Lake Kivu Tragedy
A devastating ferry accident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo claimed the lives of at least 78 people on Thursday morning when an overcrowded boat capsized on Lake Kivu, just meters away from the Kituku port near Goma. The MV Merdy ferry, which had crossed from the town of Minova, was carrying 278 passengers despite being built to hold only 80.

Local authorities, led by South Kivu’s Governor Jean-Jacques Purisi, confirmed the death toll, while dozens remain missing. Rescue operations are underway, and it may take three days to determine the full extent of the disaster. Survivors described scenes of panic as the boat overturned moments before docking.

The insecurity in the region, exacerbated by clashes between government forces and M23 rebels, has led to increased reliance on lake transport as road routes have become dangerous or impassable. Many traders have resorted to ferrying goods across Lake Kivu, as road transport costs have skyrocketed due to the ongoing conflict.

Locals are mourning the loss of their loved ones. Survivor Nuru Alpha, who was waiting for 12 family members aboard the ferry, shared his grief: “Two of my family members have died, three are in the hospital, and I haven’t heard from the others yet.”

The tragic incident is not isolated. In 2019, over 150 people drowned when another boat capsized on Lake Kivu. Despite calls for increased maritime safety, regulations like the mandatory use of lifejackets remain unenforced.

“This disaster highlights the continuing problems with boat safety on Lake Kivu,” said local politician Johnson Ishara. “No lifejackets were available on the MV Merdy. Had there been, more lives could have been saved.”

The Congolese government has ordered an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, residents hope that the conflict in the region will end, allowing for safer travel routes on land and preventing further tragedies on the water.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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