A tragic maritime disaster has unfolded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the death toll from a devastating boat fire and subsequent capsizing has soared to 148, with officials reporting that over 100 individuals remain unaccounted for. The grim update was provided by authorities on Friday, highlighting the urgency of the situation as families anxiously await news of their loved ones.

On Tuesday, approximately 500 passengers were aboard a wooden boat when it tragically capsized after catching fire on the Congo River, located in the northwestern part of the country. This catastrophic incident has drawn attention to the ongoing dangers associated with river travel in the region.

According to Comptent Loyoko, the river commissioner, the fire ignited while a passenger was cooking on board. The blaze rapidly spread, creating panic among the occupants. Many of the passengers, including vulnerable women and children, faced dire circumstances, with several losing their lives as they attempted to escape the inferno by jumping into the river, many of whom were unable to swim.

While dozens of individuals were rescued from the treacherous waters, the situation for many survivors remains dire. Authorities report that many of those rescued were severely injured, suffering from third-degree burns, and are currently without essential humanitarian assistance. The search for the missing passengers is ongoing and has involved coordinated efforts from rescue teams, supported by the Red Cross and provincial authorities.

The ill-fated vessel, identified as the HB Kongolo, caught fire near the town of Mbandaka. At the time of the incident, the boat was en route from the port of Matankumu to the Bolomba territory, carrying a mix of passengers and goods.

Senator Jean-Paul Boketsu Bofili expressed his profound sorrow regarding the high casualty rate, stating, The death toll among the 500 passengers on board was extremely high. As we speak, more than 150 survivors suffering from third-degree burns are without humanitarian assistance. His comments underline the pressing need for immediate support for those affected by this tragedy.

Boat accidents are unfortunately not uncommon in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a combination of overcrowded vessels and late-night travel often leads to catastrophic outcomes. The country has faced challenges in enforcing maritime regulations, which exacerbates the dangers of river travel.

In a nation where rivers serve as vital transportation routes for over 100 million people, particularly in remote regions with limited infrastructure, the risks of traveling by boat are starkly evident. Many individuals have turned to these wooden vessels as they abandon the few available roadways, resulting in a troubling trend of fatalities. Senator Bofili poignantly remarked, Our magnificent Congo River and the lakes our country abounds in have become huge cemeteries for the Congolese people. This is unacceptable.