DR Congo Boat Tragedy: 78 Dead, Dozens Missing [VIDEO]

78 Lives Lost in DR Congo Boat Capsize

“It'll take at least three days to get the exact numbers, because not all the bodies have been found yet...”

Goma mourns Lake Kivu boat accident - 278 on board, dozens dead, scores missing. Conflict disrupts roads, causing overcrowding.

Tragedy struck in the Democratic Republic of Congo when a boat carrying 278 passengers capsized on Lake Kivu, resulting in the deaths of at least 78 people, according to Governor Jean Jacques Purisi of South Kivu province. The exact number of people still missing remains unclear, with regional officials providing conflicting reports on the death toll.

The boat accident has sent shockwaves through the community, with relatives of the victims gathering at the shore to mourn the loss of their loved ones. As the search and rescue operations continue, officials are working to provide a more accurate account of the missing persons.

The incident highlights the risks associated with water transportation in the region. While officials have reported 78 deaths, concerns linger about the discrepancy in reported numbers and the ongoing search for those still unaccounted for.

Disturbing video footage circulating online shows the multi-deck boat tilting precariously in calm waters before suddenly flipping over. The catastrophic event sent passengers tumbling into the lake, struggling to stay afloat. The footage provides a chilling glimpse into the final moments leading up to the disaster.

 

78 Killed, Scores Missing as Boat with 278 Passengers Sinks in Lake Kivu

Deadly boat accidents are common in Congolese waters, where vessels are frequently loaded beyond capacity.

💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/5BubnzjL4X

— Asante Mokhuoa (@AsanteOnBoards) October 5, 2024

Major Facts:

Death Toll: At least 78 people confirmed dead

Passengers on Board 278

Missing Persons: Number unclear, with conflicting reports

Location: Lake Kivu, South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo.

“It'll take at least three days to get the exact numbers, because not all the bodies have been found yet,” the governor said.

Jean Jacques Purisi, Governor of South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, provided an update on the Lake Kivu boat tragedy. According to Purisi, 28 people have been confirmed dead, while 58 survivors have been rescued.

The boat, carrying a total of 278 passengers, capsized approximately 700 meters from the port. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, authorities said. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with officials working to account for the remaining passengers.

The governor's update brings clarity to the evolving situation, but concerns remain about the missing persons and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Key Facts:

Date: Thursday, October 3

Survivors: 58

Total Passengers: 278

Location: Lake Kivu, South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo

Distance from Port: Approximately 700 meters

Missing persons: Scores unaccounted for

Cause of Accident: Under investigation

Fatal boat accidents are alarmingly frequent in the Democratic Republic of Congo's waters, largely due to chronic overloading of vessels. The latest tragedy on Lake Kivu has claimed multiple lives, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures.

A harrowing eyewitness account from a local hospital paints a vivid picture of the disaster. One survivor described how the overcrowded boat suddenly capsized in calm waters, leaving passengers struggling for survival. As others succumbed to the lake's depths, he desperately fought to stay afloat.

In a miraculous turn of events, Congolese troops arrived just in time to rescue the survivor, pulling him from the water. His testimony serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of these preventable tragedies.

Facts:

• Frequent boat accidents in Congolese waters
• Overloading a major contributing factor
• Latest incident on Lake Kivu
• Survivor recounts calm conditions before capsizing
• Congolese troops conduct rescue operations

Speaking from the hospital bed he said, “I saw people sinking, many went under.

“I saw women and children sinking in the water, and I myself was on the verge of drowning but God helped me.”

In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, emotional scenes unfolded at the port where a ill-fated vessel was expected to dock. Relatives and loved ones of the passengers awaited news, with many overcome with grief, wiping away tears or collapsing to the ground in despair. Others vented their frustration and anger, directing their ire at the authorities for their perceived inaction in addressing the ongoing rebel conflict.

The conflict has severely disrupted road travel, forcing people to rely on overcrowded boats, like the one that recently capsized, resulting in devastating losses. The situation is a heartbreaking testament to the human cost of the ongoing instability in the region. As one survivor poignantly expressed, “When we have peace, we will live well"

The impact of the conflict extends far beyond this tragic incident. The city of Goma is struggling to cope with the influx of displaced people, with many living in crowded and unsanitary conditions. The International Committee of the Red Cross has reported an increase in civilian casualties and injuries, with many seeking medical attention.

Concerns:

Displacement and Overcrowding: Thousands have fled to Goma, straining local resources and infrastructure.

Increased Violence: The conflict has led to a surge in civilian casualties and injuries.

Lack of Access to Basic Needs: Displaced people face severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical care.

As the situation continues to unfold, it's clear that the international community must come together to support those affected and work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.

“All of this is part of the consequences of the war.

“They no longer make an effort to clear the enemies off the road so that it can become operational again,” a Goma resident who lost three relatives in the accident said.