Tragedy Strikes Lake Kivu: Boat Capsizes, Leaving 12 Dead and Many Missing

Fatal Capsizing Incident in Lake Kivu

Bukavu: A tragic incident occurred on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo when a boat carrying traders capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and leaving many others unaccounted for, as reported by local authorities on Sunday.

The boat was transporting over 50 passengers when it overturned on Saturday night near Idjwi Island, according to Felix Habiragi, the village chief of Kisheke, close to the accident site.

So far, around 15 survivors have been rescued, but the exact cause of the capsizing remains unknown.

Such deadly maritime accidents are unfortunately frequent in Congo, where rivers and lakes serve as vital transportation routes for the nation’s population exceeding 100 million.

The vessel was reportedly ferrying fish traders and their goods from Bwina on Idjwi Island to Boza, as stated by local administrator Muhindo Ntambuka Pascal.