Authorities have confirmed that a boat carrying fish traders has capsized in Lake Kivu in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 12 people with dozens still missing.
The Chief of the village of Kisheke near the scene, Félix Habiragi, said that the boat was carrying more than 50 people on Saturday near Idjwi Island in South Kivu Province and said the cause of the accident was not immediately clear although about 15 people were rescued.
According to Local Administrator, Muhindo Ntambuka Pascal, the vessel was transporting fish traders and goods from Bwina on Idjwi Island to Boza and videos that appear to be from the scene showed villagers and other passengers pulling bodies from the lake.
Boat accidents are common in the Democraric Republic of Congo, as rivers and lakes are a major means of transport for over 100 million people and boats are often overloaded with goods and passengers, many of whom frequently travel without life jackets.
A civil society member in Idjwi, Dorcelle Bagazane said that the authorities had, in particular, begun requiring passengers to wear life jackets, but many people continue to travel without them.
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Earlier this week, at least 41 people died and 49 were rescued when a boat capsized on Lake Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of Congo as it was reportedly carrying about 100 people and cargo when it capsized near the Congolese village of Mapera.
