At least 41 killed as boat capsizes in DR Congo

At least 41 people have died after a boat travelling from Tanzania to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) capsized on Lake Tanganyika, local authorities said.

The vessel, carrying about 100 passengers along with cargo, was travelling from Kigoma in Tanzania to Kalemie in DRC’s Tanganyika province when it sank near the village of Mapera on Thursday.

Provincial Transport Minister Norris Mulongoyi said 49 people had been rescued, while search and rescue operations were continuing for those still missing.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known.

Boat accidents are relatively common in the DRC, where vessels are often overcrowded and passengers may lack life jackets.

Poor infrastructure also makes boats a vital means of transport, particularly in remote areas.