Congo boat incident death toll climbs to 148, with more than 100 still missing

The death toll from a boat fire and capsizing on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 148, with over 100 still missing, The Guardian reported.

The wooden vessel, HB Kongolo, carrying around 500 passengers, caught fire during onboard cooking near Mbandaka before capsizing on Tuesday. Many passengers, including women and children, died after jumping into the water unable to swim.

Dozens were rescued, but many survivors suffer severe third-degree burns and lack humanitarian aid. Rescue efforts involve the Red Cross and provincial authorities.

The boat had departed from Matankumu heading to Bolomba territory. River transport is vital for the country’s 100 million people, especially in remote areas with limited infrastructure, but frequent accidents have turned waterways into deadly sites. Authorities continue to struggle with safety enforcement amid increasing reliance on river travel.