Over 20 die after boat carrying soccer team sinks
A boat carrying soccer players capsized on the Kwa River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in 25 deaths, authorities reported on Monday.
The accident occurred on Sunday night, when the vessel was returning from a soccer match in the city of Mushie, Maï-Ndombe province’s spokesman Alexis Mputu noted.
“The boat left port at 11pm and was unbalanced,” the spokesman said. Poor visibility during nighttime navigation may have contributed to the accident, according to Mputu.
At least 30 individuals survived the incident, local administrator Renacle Kwatiba stated. “There have been many deaths, but we don’t know the exact number. We are [unable] to go down to the place. We should go there to inquire about the situation. Unfortunately, we lack the means to pay for the fuel to get there,” he said.
Deadly boat accidents are common in the DR Congo where rivers serve as one of the main means of transport for its population.
In December, an overcrowded boat capsized on the Fimi River in the central part of the state, killing at least 25 people and leaving dozens missing. The vessel, carrying over 100 passengers, sank shortly after departing.
Also in December, another boat heading to Inongo ran aground on Lake Mai-Ndombe, killing 22 people. Authorities reported 254 survivors. In October, a ferry disaster on Lake Kivu left at least 78 dead when a boat carrying 278 passengers sank near Goma, just before reaching its destination.
