At least 78 people have died after a ferry sank in Lake Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, just before reaching its destination. The boat was on its way from Minova to Goma when it capsized on Thursday morning, and there were 278 passengers onboard, according to a local governor.
Videos shared online show the ferry tilting and then sinking. Governor Jean Jacques Purisi stated that it will take at least three days to confirm the exact number of victims since not all bodies have been recovered yet .
Local activist Aaron Ashuza witnessed the scene and reported seeing bodies pulled from the water, with some injured people taken to the hospital. At least two children died after arriving at the hospital .
A survivor named Alfani Buroko Byamungu, 51, said the water appeared calm at first, but he saw many people, including women and children, drowning. He himself nearly drowned but felt he was saved by a higher power .
Bahati Selemani, a dock worker involved in the rescue, explained that the boat was overloaded and faced strong waves, causing it to capsize. Many passengers jumped into the lake as the boat began to tip .
Such tragedies are common in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where boats are often overcrowded and safety measures, like life jackets, are rarely provided . Rescuers also face challenges because some boats do not keep passenger lists.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg37vnm9yqo