Boat Sinks in DR Congo’s Basankusu, Leaving 86 Passengers Dead

Kinshasa, September 12, 2025 – A major tragedy struck the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this week when a passenger boat capsized in the northwestern Basankusu area, leaving at least 86 people dead. According to state media reports, most of the victims were students returning home, highlighting once again the dangers of river transport in a country heavily dependent on its waterways.

The accident occurred on Wednesday evening when the vessel, believed to be overcrowded and poorly equipped, capsized while navigating the Congo River. Local authorities said dozens of people were on board, though the exact number of passengers has not been confirmed. Search and rescue efforts began immediately, but the strong currents and lack of adequate emergency response infrastructure in the region hampered operations.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the boat tilted and eventually sank within minutes. Survivors reported that many passengers had little chance of escape, as the boat lacked sufficient life jackets or safety equipment. Local fishermen were among the first responders, rushing to the site with their small boats to try and save as many people as possible. Despite their efforts, the scale of the tragedy was devastating.

Overcrowding and Unsafe Vessels

Incidents like this are not uncommon in DR Congo, where boats are often the only practical means of transportation across vast distances. However, overcrowding, poor maintenance, and lack of safety regulations make river journeys notoriously dangerous. Officials confirmed that the Basankusu boat was carrying far more passengers than its intended capacity, a common practice due to high demand and lack of alternatives.

In many parts of the country, especially in remote provinces, boats are used not only for passenger travel but also for transporting goods, schoolchildren, and even livestock. With poor roads and limited access to other forms of transport, river vessels become lifelines. Yet the lack of enforcement of safety standards continues to put lives at risk.

Victims and Rescue Operations

Among the 86 confirmed dead, a large proportion were students. Many were returning from schools located in towns across the river. Families gathered on the riverbanks as news of the sinking spread, anxiously waiting for information about their loved ones. Rescue teams, joined by local volunteers, managed to pull several survivors from the water, though dozens remain missing and presumed dead.

Provincial officials stated that efforts are ongoing to recover bodies and support the families of the victims. The local hospital, overwhelmed by the sudden influx of casualties, issued urgent appeals for medical supplies and assistance. Survivors are being treated for injuries, trauma, and exposure to river water, which poses risks of infection.

Government Response

The Congolese government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised an investigation into the cause of the accident. President Félix Tshisekedi called the incident “a national tragedy” and pledged measures to improve safety standards on the nation’s rivers. Officials said they will examine whether the boat was properly licensed and whether safety inspections had been conducted.

However, critics argue that promises of reform are often made after such accidents, yet little changes in practice. River transport in DR Congo has long been plagued by poor oversight, corruption, and underfunding, leaving passengers vulnerable. Opposition figures and civil society groups have urged the government to enforce strict regulations, invest in safer boats, and provide better training for crews.

Recurring Pattern of River Disasters

The Basankusu sinking is not an isolated incident. DR Congo experiences multiple boat accidents each year, often with high death tolls. In May 2024, more than 50 people died in a similar accident on the Kwa River. In 2019, another disaster on Lake Mai-Ndombe claimed over 40 lives. In nearly every case, the causes have been traced to overloading, poor maintenance, or lack of basic safety equipment.

Experts note that the Congo River system, while vital for commerce and transport, is extremely challenging to navigate. Strong currents, unpredictable weather, and limited navigational aids contribute to risks. Combined with poorly maintained boats and lack of government monitoring, accidents become almost inevitable.

Human Toll and Emotional Impact

The emotional toll on families in Basankusu has been immense. Many victims were young students, full of aspirations for their future. Parents who had struggled to provide education for their children are now mourning unbearable losses.

Local residents described scenes of grief and despair as bodies were pulled from the river. Community members gathered in makeshift memorials to honor the dead, while religious leaders organized prayer services. The tragedy has cast a long shadow over the region, already struggling with poverty and limited access to essential services.

Calls for Reform

Civil society organizations have renewed calls for urgent reforms in DR Congo’s river transport system. Advocacy groups demand that boats be inspected regularly, safety equipment such as life jackets be mandatory, and strict penalties imposed on operators who overload vessels. They also call for investment in better infrastructure, such as bridges and road networks, to reduce dependency on unsafe boats.

International organizations, including humanitarian agencies, have also highlighted the need for foreign support in improving transport safety. They argue that protecting lives requires not just local enforcement but also international assistance, funding, and training programs.

International Reactions

The tragedy has attracted international sympathy, with neighboring countries and global organizations expressing condolences. The African Union issued a statement calling for solidarity with the people of DR Congo and urging authorities to strengthen safety measures on inland waterways. United Nations officials in Kinshasa also offered support for the rescue and recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues that lead to repeated tragedies.

Looking Ahead

For many in DR Congo, the Basankusu boat disaster is a painful reminder of the risks they face daily. Without immediate reforms, experts warn, such incidents will continue to claim lives. The government’s ability to act swiftly and decisively will be crucial in restoring public trust and preventing further tragedies.

The families of the victims now face the difficult task of mourning and rebuilding their lives. Schools in the region have suspended classes in memory of the students who perished, while local authorities are organizing collective funerals. The community has come together to support grieving families, but the scars of the tragedy will remain for years.

As the nation reflects on this devastating event, the hope is that it will serve as a turning point—pushing authorities to take long-overdue action. The sinking of the Basankusu boat, with its heavy human cost, must not become just another statistic in the long list of preventable disasters in DR Congo.