37 people missing after boat capsizes in southern DR Congo

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – At least 37 people are missing after a boat capsized on a river in the southern Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai province, authorities said Monday.

The accident occurred on River Luangatshimo last Wednesday but was only confirmed to media on Monday.

The boat was carrying 42 passengers from Lovua town, heading to Nangalula, when it lost control in the middle of the crossing in Tshikapa territory, local administrator Nico Ngenza Kitambala told reporters in Tshikapa city, located 60 km (37 miles) north of the Angolan border.

“Some 37 people are missing. The death toll could be high. The search teams are doing everything they can, but the river is very rough,” Kitambala said.

He attributed the accident to “human error,” adding that several people were arrested in connection with the incident as the investigation continues.

Water transport is common in Congo due to mostly impassable roads.

The accident comes days after dozens of people were reported missing following another incident on Lake Mai-Ndombe.