Sat Oct 05 06:37:45 UTC 2024: ## 50 Dead in Lake Kivu Boat Accident, 40 Rescued
**Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo:** A tragic boat accident on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo has claimed the lives of at least 50 people. The overcrowded vessel capsized, leaving behind a scene of devastation and grief.
Witnesses reported seeing the two-deck boat tilt before capsizing in calm waters. Initial reports suggested the boat was carrying approximately 200 passengers, though the exact number remains unclear.
Rescue efforts are underway, with 23 bodies recovered and 40 survivors pulled from the water. Colonel Molatelo Motau, a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in Goma, confirmed the details.
The local migration authorities have registered 45 men and 35 women as passengers, but the figures are tentative and the ages of the victims remain unknown.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers of overcrowding on water vessels, a recurring problem in the region. This latest tragedy underscores the need for stricter safety measures and regulations to prevent future accidents.
First Piper 