In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the nation, an overloaded ferry carrying Christmas travelers capsized on the Busira River in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo late Friday night. The tragic accident has claimed the lives of at least 38 people, with more than 100 others still unaccounted for, according to local officials and eyewitnesses.
The ill-fated vessel was part of a convoy ferrying predominantly merchants back to their hometowns to celebrate the holidays with their families. Mayor Joseph Kangolingoli of Ingende, the last stop before the accident site, revealed that the ferry had made two ports of call – Ingende and Loolo – on its way to Boende, suggesting that it was carrying far more than its intended capacity.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Ndolo Kaddy, a resident of Ingende who witnessed the ferry’s journey, provided a chilling estimate of the passenger count: “The ferry contained more than 400 people because it made two ports, Ingende and Loolo, on the way to Boende, so there is reason to believe there were more deaths.”
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 20 survivors pulled from the wreckage so far. However, hopes are fading fast for the 100+ individuals still missing, as search teams comb the treacherous waters of the Busira River.
A Tragic Pattern Emerges
This devastating incident comes a mere four days after another boat capsized in the country’s northeast, claiming 25 lives. The alarming frequency of such disasters has brought into sharp focus the glaring inadequacies in Congo’s transportation safety measures, particularly in the remote regions where road infrastructure is severely lacking.
“How can a ship navigate at night under the watchful eye of river service agents? And now we’re recording over a hundred deaths.”
– Nesty Bonina, local government member, Mbandaka
Despite repeated warnings from officials about the dangers of overloading boats, and promises to crack down on violators, little seems to have changed on the ground. For many Congolese, these dilapidated, overburdened vessels remain the only viable means of transport, as roads are often rendered inaccessible by deadly clashes between security forces and rebel groups.
A Call for Action
As the nation mourns this unspeakable tragedy, urgent questions are being raised about the government’s failure to equip the ferry convoy with even the most basic flotation devices. Nesty Bonina, a prominent figure in Mbandaka, the capital of Equateur province where the ferry sank, has condemned the authorities for their mishandling of the situation.
The time has come for concrete action, not just condolences and promises. The Congolese people deserve a transportation system that prioritizes their safety above all else, and it is the government’s duty to deliver on this fundamental right. Until then, the specter of more lives needlessly lost will continue to haunt the nation’s waterways.
As the search for answers and accountability begins, our hearts go out to the families of the victims, and to all those affected by this unimaginable loss. May they find the strength to weather this dark hour, and may their loved ones rest in eternal peace.
