Tragedy Strikes Lake Kivu as Boat Capsizes, Leaving 23 Dead
A devastating boat accident occurred on Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the loss of 23 lives. The MV Merdi, a vessel carrying over 300 people and cargo, was heading to Kituku port near Goma city from Minova in South Kivu when it began to sink just a few meters from its destination.
Eyewitnesses reported that locals, Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers, and soldiers under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) intervened to rescue a few survivors, but many others perished with the boat. The cause of the accident is attributed to overloading, according to local authorities.
Vice Governor of North Kivu province, Ekuka Lipopo, confirmed the tragic news in a statement on Thursday, stating that the death toll could rise as the search for missing persons is still ongoing. Lipopo also reported that approximately 40 people have been rescued by locals and the army.
The port of Kituku is a crucial hub for traders, who use the lake to supply goods to Goma city. However, the area lacks a system for monitoring traffic on the lake, making it vulnerable to such accidents. The recent occupation of the town of Shasha area by the March 23 rebels has also led to an increase in boat traffic on Lake Kivu, as many locals in Minova have opted to use the lake to access Goma city.
This is not the first time a boat accident has occurred on Lake Kivu. In February 2024, a similar incident near Bahimba resulted in the loss of 64 lives. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved safety measures and regulations on the lake.
As the search for missing persons continues, the people of Goma and the international community mourn the loss of lives and offer condolences to the affected families.
