Approximately 40 lives have been tragically lost in the western Democratic Republic of Congo, following yet another devastating boat accident. This somber event comes just one week after a similar incident claimed the lives of at least 47 individuals.
The ill-fated vessel, a wooden riverboat commonly referred to as a whaler, met its untimely demise on the Lulonga river on Saturday night. Loaded with passengers and merchandise, the boat capsized near Boyeka village in the Equateur province.
Most of the passengers on board were traders, returning from a local market as they journeyed to Mbandaka, the capital of the province. While local media has reported that over 200 individuals managed to survive, the death toll is expected to climb as more passengers are still missing.
This latest accident serves as a painful reminder of yet another boat tragedy that occurred just 10 days prior in the same province, where countless lives were lost and an unknown number of people are still unaccounted for.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, boats are a common mode of transportation due to the dearth of roads. However, the frequency of boat accidents in the region can be attributed to issues such as overloading, shoddy maintenance, and overnight travel. Additionally, the absence of life jackets amongst passengers further exacerbates the dangers involved in these journeys.
As these heart-wrenching incidents continue to unfold, it is imperative for authorities and relevant stakeholders to take urgent measures to improve the safety of boat travel in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Implementation of stricter regulations, improved maintenance practices, and the provision of safety equipment can undoubtedly help prevent further loss of life.
In the wake of these devastating events, our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. May their souls rest in peace.
(Jide Johnson, Media Talk Africa)
