Over 100 people aboard a boat drowned in Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The boat, carrying more than 100 passengers, capsized in Lake Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These people were traveling from the Minova area, located in the Kalehe territory of South Kivu province, heading to the city of Goma. The boat sank near the Mukwidja area.Footage taken shows the boat slowly sinking until it capsized and was submerged underwater. On the side, a few passengers were seen attempting to swim toward the shores of the lake.
The governor of South Kivu province, Jean-Jacques Purusi, indicated that the accident occurred because the boat was overloaded, as it was meant to carry no more than 30 passengers.
He said, “The boat was traveling from Minova to Goma and capsized in Lake Kivu near the Mukwidja area in Kalehe territory. It was carrying over 100 people, although it was only designed to carry 30 passengers.”Governor Purusi stated that it is not yet known how many people died in the accident or survived.He added, “We do not have detailed figures, but it is said that there are both fatalities and survivors.”The Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced that its peacekeeping troops stationed in eastern DRC had provided assistance in rescuing those who drowned in Lake Kivu.Governor Purusi pointed out that sailors, the lake security police, and others involved in lake transportation were responsible for the accident.He announced that an urgent security meeting would be held in South Kivu to address the accident and warned that those responsible would be held accountable.
