Tragic Capsizing of Overloaded Ferry in Congo’s Burisa River: Dozens Confirmed Dead and Over 100 Missing

A tragic ferry accident occurred late on the night of December 20th, 2024, in the Burisa River in northeastern Congo, resulting in 38 confirmed deaths and over 100 passengers still missing. Authorities confirmed that the ferry was overloaded, having taken on passengers at two ports, Ingende and Loolo, while en route to Boende. The vessel was reportedly carrying more than 400 people, significantly exceeding its safe capacity. This incident has raised concerns as it violates repeated government warnings against overloading ferries, a common practice in remote areas where transportation options are limited and often unaffordable.

This disaster follows shortly after another boat accident just four days earlier on the Fimi River, which resulted in 25 fatalities when a vessel sank shortly after departure, carrying approximately 100 people and goods.

Overloaded ferries and poor safety measures are ongoing issues on Congo’s waterways. Earlier in the year, a boat accident in eastern Congo claimed 78 lives, and in June, over 80 people died in a similar incident near the capital, Kinshasa. The lack of flotation devices and the ineffective enforcement of safety regulations are continuous concerns.

In response to these tragedies, Congolese authorities have implemented penalties for overloading; however, enforcement challenges persist, leaving passengers vulnerable. Public frustration is growing, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in infrastructure and stricter maritime safety regulations in the region.

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