Whaleboat Fire Claims Over 100 Lives
At least 107 people died when a whaleboat caught fire on the Congo River on Thursday evening. The accident happened near Malange village in Lukolela territory, according to a report from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
The wooden vessel, a long and narrow whaleboat, was carrying both passengers and cargo. When the fire broke out, it quickly spread through the boat. The flames also ignited 15 riverside homes as the burning vessel drifted downstream.
Rescue teams found 209 survivors, many with injuries. However, 146 people are still missing. Search operations continued on Friday, with navy officers and local volunteers combing the riverbanks.
Authorities promised medical care for the injured, financial help for grieving families, and support to return survivors to their destinations.
A Second Tragedy Days Earlier
This disaster comes only days after another deadly incident. On Wednesday night, at least 86 people died when a motorised canoe sank at the confluence of the Nsolo and Great Maringa rivers in Basankusu territory.
Only eight survivors were rescued by local residents. Civil society activist Akula Mboyo blamed overloading and nighttime navigation, which is banned, for the sinking.
River Travel: A Lifeline and a Risk
River transport is vital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Vast rainforest areas have no roads, making boats the only way for many communities to connect.
However, accidents are frequent. Many vessels are old and poorly maintained. Overcrowding is common, and despite regulations, night travel continues.
Rescue work is also difficult. Remote locations and limited resources slow down response efforts, often making tragedies even worse.
Calls for Safer Transport
With two deadly accidents in the same week, more than 190 lives have been lost. The back-to-back disasters have sparked calls for stricter safety rules and better river transport infrastructure.
Without urgent reforms, experts warn, Congo’s rivers will continue to be scenes of heartbreak.
