More than 200 people are missing after a riverboat sank in western Democratic Republic of Congo, Nkoso Kevani Lebon, governor of Mai-Ndombe province, said Tuesday. About 300 people were on the boat, and dozens managed to reach shore.
The incident occurred on Sunday. The ship sank to the bottom of the Lukenie River in Mai-Ndombe Province when, sailing in the dark, it struck submerged tree branches. There were about 300 people on board. It was also carrying several tons of agricultural products that were to be distributed to residents of nearby villages.
More than 200 people missing
On Tuesday, it was reported that 43 people had reached shore, while over 200 were reported missing.
“We have already recovered several bodies,” Jacques Nzenza Mongie, the administrator of the town of Kutu in Mai-Ndombe province, told media. He blamed the accident on the boat's condition, overloading and the decision to continue the journey after dark, even though it is prohibited.
In June, at least 86 people, including 21 children, died after a boat sank on the Kwa River, a tributary of the Congo River, also in Mai-Ndombe province.
River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (illustrative photo)Shutterstock
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