Boat accident in African state claims 25 lives

RT.com
12 Mar 2025, 15:38 GMT+10

A vessel carrying soccer players returning from a match has capsized on the Kwa River in the DR Congo

A boat carrying soccer players capsized on the Kwa River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in 25 deaths, authorities reported on Monday.

The accident occurred on Sunday night, when the vessel was returning from a soccer match in the city of Mushie, Ma-Ndombe province's spokesman Alexis Mputu noted.

"The boat left port at 11pm and was unbalanced," the spokesman said. Poor visibility during nighttime navigation may have contributed to the accident, according to Mputu.

At least 30 individuals survived the incident, local administrator Renacle Kwatiba stated. "There have been many deaths, but we don't know the exact number. We are [unable] to go down to the place. We should go there to inquire about the situation. Unfortunately, we lack the means to pay for the fuel to get there," he said.

Deadly boat accidents are common in the DR Congo where rivers serve as one of the main means of transport for its population.

In December, an overcrowded boat capsized on the Fimi River in the central part of the state, killing at least 25 people and leaving dozens missing. The vessel, carrying over 100 passengers, sank shortly after departing.

Also in December, another boat heading to Inongo ran aground on Lake Mai-Ndombe, killing 22 people. Authorities reported 254 survivors. In October, a ferry disaster on Lake Kivu left at least 78 dead when a boat carrying 278 passengers sank near Goma, just before reaching its destination.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Kenya Star.

More Information

null in null

Africa

Section

Latest US pullback from international climate efforts

United States quits board of UN climate damage fund, letter shows

BRUSSELS, Belgium: The United States has withdrawn from the board of a U.N. climate fund designed to help poor countries deal with...

(Hello Africa) Zimbabwean farmers beam with optimism as new tobacco marketing season begins

A tobacco farmer shows his tobacco at the Tobacco Sales Floor in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara) In Zimbabwe,...

(Hello Africa) Street markets spark creative industry boom in Namibia's capital

A woman visits a street art market in Windhoek, Namibia, on March 8, 2025. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua) Street markets in Windhoek,...

Boat accident in African state claims 25 lives

A vessel carrying soccer players returning from a match has capsized on the Kwa River in the DR Congo ...

Terrorists stage deadly attack on hotel in Somalia (VIDEO)

Al-Shabaab has reportedly claimed responsibility for the assault on the Cairo Hotel, saying it has killed ten people ...

"Whole nation is happy": Gautam Gambhir shares his feelings after India win Champions Trophy 2025

By Vipul Kashyap New Delhi [India], March 12 (ANI): Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed his delight after the Men in...

World

Section