2024 Kwa River disaster
2024 ship sinking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
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On 10 June 2024, the ship HB la Saintet sank in the Kwa River, a tributary of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing at least 86 people[2] including 21 children.[1]
Background
Due to the fact that there are few paved roads in the Congo, rivers and lakes are often used to transport goods and people.[3] Boat overcrowding and poor safety measures on ships have long been significant problems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[4][5] Not all passengers are able to swim and they are rarely provided with lifevests.[6]
A ferry capsized on the Kasai River in 2010, killing between 80 and 140 people.[7] Another overcrowded ship was overturned in Mbandaka and killed at least 52 in October 2023.[8] More recently, a boat capsized on Lake Kivu in the eastern part of the country in January 2024, killing most of its 50 passengers.[9]
Events
On 10 June 2024 at around 23:00 CAT (UTC +2:00), an overloaded ship heading from Mushie to the town of Lebida[10] experienced engine failure, and crashed either into the shore[11] or into a second boat[12] and sank in the Kasai River.[13]
The incident occurred in Mai-Ndombe Province, about 70 km (43 mi) from Mushie. Out of 271 people on the ship, 86 died, including 21 children. Over 100 people were rescued,[2] and according to a Mushi District commissioner, as many as 185 were able to swim to the shore.[14]
According to one official, the boat was carrying bags of cement in addition to the passengers, and was overloaded.[9]
President Félix Tshisekedi said that victims will receive assistance and an investigation would be conducted into the cause of the disaster.[13]