At least 30 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more remain missing after two boats capsized on Lake Tumba in western Democratic Republic of Congo. The tragic incident occurred overnight on Wednesday, June 11 in Bikoro Territory, about 128 kilometres from Mbandaka city in Equateur Province.
Local authorities, led by territory administrator Justin Mputu, attributed the accident to powerful winds and heavy rainfall that struck the area. Rescue efforts have been ongoing since Wednesday evening, with officials still uncertain of the total number of people unaccounted for, although local media estimate that around 100 passengers were on board.
The boats, reportedly en route from Bikoro to a village market, were carrying both passengers and goods. Provincial Interior Minister Chrispin Moliy announced that the deceased will be given a dignified burial while search operations continue. The disaster underscores the persistent dangers associated with overloaded and poorly regulated water transport systems across the region, particularly in remote parts of the Congo River basin where boats are often the only mode of travel.