The our bodies of a minimum of 52 folks have been recovered from the Congo River after their boat capsized late final week, a provincial minister stated on Monday, warning that the loss of life toll may rise additional with many nonetheless lacking.
The boat was carrying over 300 folks when it overturned close to the city of Mbandaka in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo through the night time on Friday. Over the weekend 30 had been confirmed to have drowned with 167 lacking.
Didier Mbula, provincial well being minister for Equateur Province, instructed Reuters the variety of lifeless had since risen.
“We have now recorded 52 our bodies that had been pulled out. The search groups are nonetheless within the discipline, working. That is nonetheless a provisional toll, and it could enhance additional,” he stated by telephone.
Lethal boat accidents are frequent on Congo’s rivers and lakes, the place vessels are ceaselessly loaded effectively past their capability. The nation has few tarred roads throughout its huge, forested territory, and river journey is widespread.
On Monday, Transport Minister Marc Ekila stated the boat that capsized mustn’t have been navigating at night time, was overloaded, and had not correctly recognized its house owners or the variety of passengers on board.
In a press release, he promised to implement guidelines to enhance the protection of river transport and “minimise the recurring tragedies.”
SOURCE: REUTERS
