More than 20 pass away due to boat carrying soccer team sinking

(MENAFN) A boat carrying soccer players capsized on the Kwa River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in at least 25 fatalities, local authorities confirmed on Monday.

The incident occurred late Sunday night as the vessel was returning from a soccer match in Mushie, according to Maï-Ndombe province spokesman Alexis Mputu. He stated that the boat became unbalanced shortly after departing at 11 PM, with poor nighttime visibility potentially contributing to the accident.

Local administrator Renacle Kwatiba reported that at least 30 people survived, though the exact number of casualties remains uncertain due to limited access to the accident site. “We need to assess the situation on the ground, but unfortunately, we lack the resources to fund transportation to the area,” Kwatiba said.

Boat accidents are common in the DRC, where rivers serve as key transportation routes. In December, an overcrowded vessel capsized on the Fimi River, killing at least 25 people and leaving dozens missing. That same month, another boat en route to Inongo ran aground on Lake Mai-Ndombe, claiming 22 lives with 254 survivors.

Earlier, in October, a ferry disaster on Lake Kivu resulted in 78 deaths when a boat carrying 278 passengers sank near Goma, just before reaching its destination.

Authorities continue to grapple with safety concerns as overcrowding, poor vessel conditions, and a lack of infrastructure contribute to frequent maritime tragedies in the country.

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