Africa
Local News
Congo Boat Sinking Accident: None Survived Among 400 Passengers
Serge Kabongo
Oct 3, 2024
Rescue operation made by SAMIDRC and FARDC Photo from / SAMIDRC X page
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a serious boat accident occurred near the port of Kituku in Goma, sinking a boat that had left Minova in Kalehe, North Kivu province. The Department of Transportation confirmed that the ship was carrying about 400 passengers, and none of them survived.
Authorities said the ship was also loaded with crops, including bananas, potatoes, and beans. the accident happened around 5:30 p.m , causing all commercial operations at the port to be suspended while rescue operation is underway.
Eyewitnesses at the port, according to the Voice of America ( VOA ), said that the accident was caused by many people, who believed that the ship was overloaded, causing it to sink.
The road that used to connect the two counties Goma and Kalehe is no longer in use because it has been taken over by the fighters of the terrorist of M23 group and it is difficult for those who use it to pass through it.
The closure of the road has forced local residents to rely on boats for daily transport, which many now believe is too dangerous.
The people are demanding that the road from Goma to the territory of Kalehe be opened so that people start using it instead of using boats for their daily trips.