300 passengers missing after whaler sinks

On the evening of August 18, a river disaster occurred in Mai-Ndombe, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a whaling ship with 300 passengers on board sank, leaving more than 100 people missing.

On the evening of Saturday, 18 August, tragedy struck the province of Mai-Ndombe. Democratic Republic of the Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo). A whaling boat with nearly 300 passengers on board sank in the muddy waters of the Lukni River in the Kutu region. The boat had left the town of Amo and was heading towards Nyoki, carrying not only people but also food. So far, only 20 bodies have been found, while more than 100 people are still missing, leaving behind devastated families.

The circumstances of the tragedy

Although nighttime navigation is strictly prohibited in this section of the river, the whaler continued to sail after dusk, the permitted time limit. According to preliminary investigations, the ship tried to make a subtle turn near Mauritius, a popular fishing spot for fishermen.

That’s where the disaster happened.” They stared at the edge to follow the current but struck a floating log, causing the boat to capsize. », explains Jacques Nzenza, administrator of the Kutu region. This tragic accident once again illustrates the dangers of reckless navigation in the region.

Institutional flaws: between corruption and insecurity

Local authorities were quick to point to corruption plaguing the port and security services. Often, shipowners collude with state agencies to circumvent safety rules, such as nighttime sailing bans. », denounces Jacques Nzenza. This non-compliance with navigation standards puts hundreds of people in mortal danger every day, turning the Congolese river into a veritable death trap.

A recurring problem condemned by civil society

The sinking is part of a series of similar disasters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where river transport conditions remain precarious. Civil society continues to sound the alarm, blaming the authorities’ incompetence and negligence for a “hell cycle” of tragedy. Families of the victims are demanding justice and immediate measures to prevent the tragedy from happening again.