Congo Boat Tragedy: Death toll rises to 148, over 100 still missing

The number of deaths from a devastating boat accident on the Congo River earlier this week has climbed to 148, with over 100 people still unaccounted for, officials confirmed Friday. The vessel was carrying around 500 passengers when the disaster occurred.

The wooden motorboat, named HB Kongolo, caught fire and capsized Tuesday near Mbandaka in northwestern Congo. According to river commissioner Compétent Loyoko, the fire reportedly began when a woman was cooking aboard the vessel. The panic that followed led many passengers, including women and children, to jump into the river—many of whom could not swim.

While dozens were rescued, many survivors suffered severe burns. Rescue efforts, aided by the Red Cross and local authorities, are ongoing in hopes of finding those still missing.

Senator Jean-Paul Boketsu Bofili of Equateur province noted the tragedy’s scale, stating, “Among the 500 passengers, the loss of life is enormous.” He also emphasized that over 150 burn victims are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

Boat accidents are tragically frequent in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often due to overcrowding, unsafe travel at night, and lax enforcement of maritime safety rules. With poor infrastructure and limited road access, many Congolese rely on river travel, increasing the risks.

“Our beautiful Congo River and the lakes throughout our country have sadly become mass graves for our people,” said Bofili. “This cannot continue.”