Boat Capsizes on Lake Kivu 78 Dead, Dozens Missing After Ferry Disaster in DR Congo [Watch Video]

 

In a devastating maritime disaster, at least 78 people have been confirmed dead, and dozens more are still missing after a ferry capsized on Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday morning. The vessel, MV Merdy, was carrying an estimated 278 passengers—far exceeding its intended capacity of 80—when it overturned just a few hundred meters from the dock at the port of Kituku, near Goma.

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The ferry had departed from the town of Minova and was nearing the end of its journey when tragedy struck. Many people were gathered at the landing pier in anticipation of meeting friends and family onboard, only to witness the disaster unfold. Eyewitnesses and survivors have described the harrowing moments when the overcrowded boat capsized in the waters of Lake Kivu.

According to reports, the vessel was heavily overloaded, with significantly more passengers than it was designed to carry. Survivors who spoke to The Guardian reported seeing people desperately trying to swim to shore, but many were unable to make it. The official death toll stands at 78, but local authorities fear the number will rise as search and rescue operations continue. Jean-Jacques Purisi, the governor of South Kivu province, stated that it could take several days to recover all the bodies and confirm the final count of casualties.

The Growing Dangers of Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu, situated between the DRC and Rwanda, has become a lifeline for many in the region due to the ongoing conflict between Congolese government forces and M23 rebels, which has rendered land travel dangerous. Roadways in the region have been cut off or made inaccessible due to the fighting, forcing traders and civilians to rely on the lake as a safer, though increasingly perilous, route. Cargo trucks and food supplies are frequently raided on the roads between Goma and Minova, further pushing people toward waterborne transport.

However, overcrowding and lack of enforcement of safety regulations have led to a rising number of accidents on the lake. In 2019, over 150 people drowned when a wooden boat sank on the same lake. These tragedies highlight the severe gaps in safety protocols for the many ferries that traverse these waters. Lifejackets and other basic safety measures are often absent, making survival unlikely when accidents occur.

One of the survivors, 17-year-old Emmanuelle Furaha, recounted the horrifying ordeal: “We came from Minova around 8 a.m., and when we wanted to get to the dock, the ship capsized. That’s when I swam until I miraculously reached the shore.” She, like many others, was left traumatized by the event, and the lack of lifejackets onboard only added to the chaos.

Personal Loss and Grief

Among those impacted by the disaster is Nuru Alpha, a 27-year-old resident of Goma, who lost multiple family members in the incident. “On this ship, I had family members. Unfortunately, two of them died. Three are in hospital, and I haven’t heard from seven others so far,” he said, describing the emotional and financial devastation this has left on his life.

“For many of us, these people were more than just relatives—they were our livelihoods. It’s a void that can’t be filled,” Nuru lamented. This sentiment is echoed by many who have lost loved ones, like Adeline Bora, a trader from Kituku, who lost her sister-in-law and aunt in the sinking. She expressed deep frustration, saying, “If we could’ve taken the road instead, we wouldn’t be witnessing this disaster. Let the war end so we can safely travel by land again. My loved ones wouldn’t have died if it wasn’t for this conflict.”

A Systemic Problem

This recent ferry disaster is not an isolated event. Boat accidents have become tragically common on Lake Kivu, exacerbated by a lack of oversight and the continued use of overburdened and poorly maintained vessels. Despite regulations requiring the use of lifejackets, passengers onboard the MV Merdy were not provided with any. Survivors noted that had there been lifejackets, more lives might have been saved.

Johnson Ishara, a politician based in Goma, criticized the ongoing lack of maritime safety enforcement in the region. “What happened in Kituku is a scandal,” Ishara said. “The authorities continue to overlook the fact that these boats are overloaded and have no proper technical checks. The passengers are at constant risk.”

In response to the growing outrage, Thomas Bakenga, the administrator of Kalehe territory—where the ferry originated—promised an investigation into the cause of the disaster. He also revealed that the ferry’s official boarding manifest only listed 80 passengers, a figure that grossly underrepresents the actual number of people onboard. The Malawian army, which is part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission in the DRC, has been assisting with rescue operations, and 40 people have been saved so far. However, the search continues for the many still missing.

Calls for Change

The repeated maritime disasters on Lake Kivu highlight the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement. Overloaded vessels, lack of lifejackets, and the desperate conditions forcing people to take such dangerous journeys are all factors contributing to these frequent tragedies.

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The conflict in eastern Congo has made safe land transport nearly impossible, leaving people with no choice but to risk their lives on overcrowded ferries. Many, like Adeline Bora, believe that peace in the region is the only way to stop these recurring accidents. “Let the war end,” she pleaded. “If we had the roads back, this wouldn’t keep happening.”

As the Congolese government and maritime authorities begin their investigations, many hope that this latest tragedy will lead to meaningful changes that can prevent future loss of life. For now, the people of the region continue to mourn the loss of loved ones while navigating the harsh realities of life in a war-torn area where even basic travel can turn deadly.