According to authorities and state media in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the 12th, two consecutive ferry disasters occurred this week in the northwestern Équateur Province, resulting in at least 193 deaths and many more missing.
State media reported that the first incident occurred on the 10th in the Basankusu area, where a motorized boat capsized, claiming at least 86 lives—most of whom were students—with several others unaccounted for.
Citing information from the scene, state media said the main causes of the accident were "overloading and nighttime navigation." Footage from the scene showed villagers gathered on the riverbank mourning the victims.
The second accident occurred on the evening of the 11th, about 150 kilometers from the site of the previous incident, near Malange village in the Lukolela area on the Congo River. A large wooden boat carrying nearly 500 passengers caught fire and then capsized. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs stated that 209 passengers were rescued.
It remains unclear what the specific causes of the two accidents were, or whether rescue operations are still ongoing.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is known for its numerous rivers and lakes, making water transport a main mode of travel for locals. However, due to aging vessels, serious overloading, and a lack of lifesaving equipment, ferry disasters occur frequently. Many boats also operate at night, further increasing the difficulty of rescue operations.