A tragic boat accident on Lake Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of at least 78 passengers.
The boat, carrying 278 people, capsized on Thursday, October 3, with video footage showing the moment the overcrowded vessel tipped over, flinging passengers into the water.
Governor Jean Jacques Purisi of South Kivu confirmed the death toll and stated that the final number of casualties may rise as many passengers are still missing.
Rescue operations continue, and authorities estimate that it will take at least three days to determine the full extent of the disaster.
So far, 58 survivors have been rescued, and the cause of the accident is under investigation. Witnesses report that the lake was calm when the boat overturned about 700 meters from the port.
One survivor, 51-year-old Alfani Buroko Byamungu, recounted his harrowing experience: “I saw people sinking—women and children. I was on the verge of drowning, but God helped me.”
Crowds gathered at the port in Goma, some weeping and others expressing anger, blaming the long-standing conflict in the region for pushing more people onto overcrowded boats due to impassable roads.
Watch the incident here.
