DR Congo Boat Fire Death Toll Revised Downward to 33

Initial reports of a devastating boat fire on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earlier this week have been significantly revised. While initial estimates placed the death toll as high as 143 or even 148, local authorities have now confirmed that at least 33 people perished in the disaster. The incident, which occurred near the town of Mbandaka in Equateur Province, highlights the ongoing challenges of river transportation in the DRC, where safety regulations are often lax and overcrowding is common.

Conflicting Reports and Revised Figures

The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday when a wooden boat, reportedly carrying over 200 passengers, caught fire on the Congo River. Initial reports painted a grim picture, with officials citing figures exceeding 140 deaths. Josephine-Pacifique Lokumu, head of a delegation of national deputies from the region, told AFP that at least 143 bodies had been recovered by Friday. A local civil society leader, Joseph Lokondo, who assisted in burying the bodies, estimated the "provisional death toll at 145."

However, on Saturday, Yves Balo, the mayor of Mbandaka, provided a significantly lower figure. "We count 195 who have survived, including 22 burn victims who are being cared for at Wangata general hospital, and 33 deaths, with 29 people already buried and four more still at the morgue," Balo told AFP.

The discrepancy in the reported death tolls caused confusion and grief among the affected communities. Mayor Balo attributed the earlier inflated numbers to people confusing the incident with previous disasters on the Congo River, where boat accidents are tragically frequent.

Cause of the Fire and Immediate Aftermath

According to initial investigations, the fire was sparked by a cooking accident on board the vessel. Reports indicate that a woman lit a cooking fire, which ignited nearby fuel, causing a deadly explosion. "A woman lit the embers for cooking. The fuel, which was not far away, exploded, killing many children and women," Lokumu said.

The boat, identified as HB Kongolo, had departed from the port of Matankumu and was headed towards Bolomba territory. The flames quickly engulfed the wooden vessel, leaving passengers with limited escape options. Many, including women and children, jumped into the Congo River, but were unable to swim to safety.

Rescue efforts were launched immediately, with teams supported by the Red Cross and provincial authorities. Approximately 100 survivors were taken to an improvised shelter at the Mbandaka town hall, while those with severe burn injuries were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

A History of Maritime Accidents

The Congo River serves as a vital transportation artery for millions of people in the DRC, particularly in remote areas where roads are scarce or impassable. However, this reliance on river transport comes at a high cost, as deadly boat accidents are a recurring problem.

Overcrowding, lack of safety equipment, and poor vessel maintenance are major contributing factors to these tragedies. Many wooden boats are overloaded with passengers and goods, exceeding their capacity and increasing the risk of capsizing. Life jackets are often absent, and maritime regulations are poorly enforced. Night travel also increases the risk, especially in areas without navigational aids.

In October 2023, at least 47 people died after a boat sank in Equateur province. In October 2024, a boat capsized on Lake Kivu, resulting in over 20 fatalities. Another shipwreck on Lake Kivu in 2019 claimed approximately 100 lives. These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved maritime safety measures in the DRC.

Government Response and Future Prospects

The Congolese government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and has pledged to take steps to improve river transport safety. In December 2024, the government ordered four new ferries for $1 million, with plans to expand the fleet to 100 boats. These new vessels are intended to provide safer and more reliable transportation options for the population.

In addition to expanding the ferry fleet, the Ministry of Transport has announced a crackdown on substandard boats, particularly those that are overloaded or lack passenger life jackets. The government is also working on dredging and beaconing the Congo River to improve navigation.

In September 2024, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to modernize river transport. This agreement includes studies to assess the necessary work for modernizing and developing the sector.

Lingering Grief and the Search for Solutions

Despite the revised death toll, the boat fire remains a significant tragedy for the communities along the Congo River. Funerals were held in Mbandaka on Friday, with families mourning the loss of their loved ones. The search for missing passengers continued for several days, but hopes of finding additional survivors have faded.

The disaster has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of maritime regulations, increased investment in safer vessels, and improved infrastructure along the Congo River. Addressing these challenges is crucial to preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of those who rely on river transport in the DRC.

While the exact number of lives lost in this particular incident remains a point of contention, the underlying issues of unsafe river travel in the DRC are undeniable. The government, along with international partners, must prioritize the implementation of comprehensive safety measures to protect the lives of its citizens and prevent future disasters on the Congo River.