DR Congo commemorates 127 feared dead in boat sinking

Saturday, 20/04/2019 08:32
Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi on April 18th declared a day of commemorating with 114 people still missing days after a boat capsized on Lake Kivu, killing 13.

 Boat mishaps are common on the lakes and rivers in DR Congo (Source: Getty Images)

“The president of the Republic has declared Friday to be a day of national mourning,” Tshisekedi’s office said in a statement issued.

“We are going to do everything to make sure that this type of tragedy doesn’t happen again,” President Felix Tshisekedi said. “It’s because of certain economic operators who use rundown boats because of their greed.”

The boat set off from the village of Kituku, close to town of Goma on Lake Kivu’s northern shore, and sank in South Kivu province close to the territory of Kalehe on April 15th.

President Felix Tshisekedi says in a Twitter post that officials will work to punish those responsible for the fatal sinking.

Local authorities say only four bodies had been recovered as of late Tuesday, while 35 people had been saved.

River transport is one of the most used in DR Congo with its numerous waterways. Boat mishaps are common on the lakes and rivers of the country.

Accidents are typically caused by overloading of passengers and cargo on rickety vessels. The toll is often heavy because there are no life jackets and many Congolese do not know how to swim./.

Compiled by BTA

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