At least 64 people are missing following a boat capsizing on Monday in the Sankuru River in Kasai Province, central Democratic Republic of the Congo, local news reported only on Wednesday, November 19. The vessel, carrying approximately 120 passengers, had departed Bena Dibele on November 13 en route to the capital, Kinshasa, more than 800 kilometres away. Officials said the boat overturned after encountering strong whirlpools, with around 50 people rescued so far as search and rescue operations continue.
Water transport remains a vital means of travel in the DRC, but accidents are frequent due to overcrowding and poor vessel conditions. Authorities continue efforts to locate the missing passengers, highlighting ongoing concerns about river safety in the country.