At least 58 rescued, as official warns death toll could rise after boat carrying 278 people sinks.
At least 78 people have died after a boat capsized in Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as confirmed by the governor of South Kivu province, Jean Jacques Purisi.
Purisi stated to Reuters that 278 individuals were aboard the boat when it overturned, and it may take up to three days to confirm the exact number of casualties as not all bodies have been recovered yet.
The governor of North Kivu province reported that 58 people had been successfully rescued.
The boat, originating from Minova in South Kivu province, sunk close to Goma, only 100 meters away from its intended destination on Thursday morning.
Due to the ongoing conflict between Congolese government forces and M23 rebels, there has been an increase in using boats to navigate Lake Kivu, despite the risk of overcrowding and accidents.
Al Jazeera correspondent Alain Uaykani mentioned that the closure of roads in the area was causing frustration among residents, restricting their travel options.
Survivors of the accident are currently receiving medical attention.
‘I saw people sinking’
A survivor recounted his experience to Reuters, describing the harrowing scene of people drowning around him as he struggled to survive in the lake.
51-year-old Alfani Buroko Byamungu, recovering in a hospital, shared, “I saw people sinking, many went under. I saw women and children sinking in the water, and I myself was on the verge of drowning, but God helped me.”
Mushagulua Bienfait, who lost three family members in the tragedy, blamed the conflict for the incident, expressing anger over the disruption caused by the war.
Since the M23 offensive in late 2021, the group has seized significant territory in the region, leading to increased military presence and proliferation of armed groups.
