Sat Oct 05 06:18:13 UTC 2024: ## Ferry Disaster on Lake Kivu Leaves at Least 78 Dead
**GOMA, Congo** – A ferry carrying an estimated 278 passengers capsized on Lake Kivu on Thursday, resulting in at least 78 deaths, with the number expected to rise. The tragedy occurred as the overcrowded vessel was attempting to dock at the port of Kituku, just meters from shore.
Witnesses reported seeing the boat struggle to maintain its balance before sinking, with many passengers jumping into the water. Local authorities have launched a frantic search and rescue operation, but many remain unaccounted for.
Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi of South Kivu province blamed overcrowding and a lack of safety equipment, including life jackets, as contributing factors. He also noted a strong storm in the morning that may have played a role.
The accident highlights a pattern of deadly boat accidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often attributed to overcrowding and lax maritime regulations. Despite repeated warnings and promises of punishment for safety violations, tragedies like this continue to occur.
Families of the victims gathered at the port, blaming authorities for negligence and the ongoing insecurity in the region. The recent fighting between Congolese armed forces and the M23 rebels has made the road between Goma and Minova impassable, forcing many to rely on the more dangerous, but seemingly safer, water transport.
Shipping agents expressed fear about the risks associated with these crowded journeys, warning that the recent shipwreck was “predictable.”
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, describing the boat filling with water and the desperate scramble for safety. One survivor, Neema Chimanga, described her ordeal: “We saw the boat start to fill with water halfway. The door of the boat opened, and we tried to close it. But the water was already coming in, and the boat tilted. I threw myself into the water and started swimming. I don’t know how I got out of the water.”
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of overcrowding and lack of safety measures in a region grappling with conflict and limited infrastructure.
First Piper 