Capsized boat: at least 40 dead

At least 40 people lost their lives and 167 people were missing when the boat capsized in the Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to national media reports, the ship that left at night from the port of the city of Mbandaka, in the province of Équateur, and was heading towards Bolomba, on the Congo River, sank. At least 40 people died and 167 were missing in the accident.

Search and rescue efforts continue in the accident, where approximately 190 people were rescued.

It is alleged that a few hours after takeoff, the vessel had difficulty moving forward due to overload, and during the crew’s attempt to maintain balance, the vessel tilted to one side and sank completely.

These types of maritime accidents, which occur especially during periods of heavy seasonal rains, are caused by lack of maintenance of vessels and by carrying cargo and passengers above their capacity. (AA)