Tears as overloaded funeral boat sinks, 32 dead, dozens missing

A devastating boat accident on Congo’s Lake Tumba has claimed the lives of at least 32 people, with dozens still missing.

Two overloaded boats sank on Wednesday afternoon, authorities confirmed on Thursday, June 11, 2025.

The vessels were carrying over 100 passengers when they departed from Bikoro port, despite unstable weather and obvious overloading, according to a statement by the Provincial Coordination of the Panel of Civil Society Experts of Equateur.

Local sources revealed that the boats were chartered by a family for a funeral trip from an unauthorized dock. Passengers were turned away due to the extreme overcrowding, said Akula Dieu, a member of the civil society group.

Shortly after leaving the shore, heavy rainfall and waves pounded the boats, causing both to capsize. Survivors and local authorities confirmed that neither vessel had adequate safety gear.

Gabriel Ifulu Bongolomba, Bikoro Lake Commissioner, reported that rescue teams lack life jackets, boats, and fuel, severely limiting operations.

“We’re forced to borrow private boats for rescue. We don’t even have enough fuel to operate properly,” Bongolomba stated.

Search and recovery efforts continued into Thursday evening, but many families fear the worst for those still unaccounted for.

Congo’s boat disasters are tragically common, with lax regulations and unsafe practices frequently blamed. Overcrowding and poor weather readiness often result in mass fatalities.

Despite repeated calls for reforms, local travel on rivers and lakes remains dangerous, especially in rural provinces like Equateur.

The government has yet to release an official statement regarding enforcement of marine transport regulations.

Residents and activists have again called on authorities to improve waterway safety, provide emergency gear, and enforce strict rules against unauthorized boarding and overloading.

As the country mourns, rescue teams race against time with dwindling resources, hoping to save lives or recover bodies before conditions worsen.

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