02.06.2026 07:20
In the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 11 people died and 47 were rescued after a boat struck rocks and capsized. Search and rescue operations continue on the boat, which is believed to have been carrying passengers beyond its capacity.
At least 11 people have died and 47 have been rescued after a boat capsized in Kwilu province, western Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to initial reports. According to national media, the boat, which was traveling between the towns of Masi and Manimba on the Inzia River in Kwilu province, hit rocks and capsized.
In the accident, initial reports indicate that 47 people were rescued and 11 lost their lives. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to find the missing passengers.
THE BOAT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CARRYING MORE PASSENGERS AND CARGO THAN ITS CAPACITY
The boat, which is thought to have been carrying more passengers and cargo than its capacity, is estimated to have had about 150 passengers on board. Due to the lack of sufficient paved roads in the country, rivers and lakes are commonly used for transportation.
Such accidents, which often occur during periods of heavy seasonal rains, are caused not only by poor maintenance of the boats but also by them carrying loads and passengers beyond their capacity. On April 7, 2026, a boat accident on Lake Kivu near Kalehe territory in South Kivu province, DRC, resulted in 21 deaths.