Lake Kivu capsizing leaves at least 12 dead and dozens missing
A vessel carrying fish traders and goods capsized near Idjwi Island. Authorities reported about 15 rescues; the cause remains unknown.
At least 12 people have died and dozens are missing after a vessel capsized on Lake Kivu in South Kivu province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Saturday night, authorities said. About 15 people were rescued.
The vessel was carrying more than 50 people, according to Félix Habiragi, chief of the nearby village of Kisheke. Its total passenger count and the final casualty figures have not been confirmed.
Local administrator Muhindo Ntambuka Pascal said the vessel was transporting fish traders and goods from Bwina, on Idjwi Island, to Boza. The cause of the capsizing was not immediately clear.
The incident highlights the risks of lake and river transport in the DRC, where waterways serve as major transport routes. The report says vessels are often overloaded with passengers and goods, and many passengers travel without life jackets.
Earlier in the week, at least 41 people died and 49 were rescued after a separate boat capsized on Lake Tanganyika. The circumstances of that incident have not been established as related to the Lake Kivu capsizing.
