Sat Oct 05 08:50:01 UTC 2024: ## Over 23 Dead in Lake Kivu Boat Accident, DRC
**Goma, DRC** – A tragic boat accident on Lake Kivu in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has claimed the lives of at least 23 people, with the death toll expected to rise as search efforts continue.
The MV Merdi, carrying over 300 passengers and cargo, capsized on Thursday while en route from Minova in South Kivu to Kituku port near Goma city. Locals report the boat began to sink just meters from the port, likely due to overloading.
Local residents, soldiers from the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and soldiers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were able to rescue a small number of people, but many are feared lost.
Ekuka Lipopo, Vice Governor of North Kivu, confirmed the tragic news and expressed concern that the death toll could increase. He stated that about 40 people have been rescued so far.
The Kituku port is a vital trade route for locals, primarily traders who supply goods to Goma city. However, the lack of a traffic monitoring system on the lake has raised concerns about safety.
The tragedy comes amid a surge in travel on Lake Kivu. Following the occupation of the Shasha area by the March 23 rebels, many residents of Minova have chosen to travel by boat to Goma.
This is not the first boat accident on Lake Kivu. In February 2024, a similar incident near Bahimba claimed the lives of 64 people. Authorities are urging for stricter safety measures to be implemented to prevent future tragedies.
First Piper 