**At Least 12 Dead and Dozens Missing After Vessel Capsizes in DRC**
*Published on September 27, 2026*
A tragic incident occurred on Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when a vessel carrying fish traders capsized, resulting in at least 12 confirmed fatalities and dozens of individuals still unaccounted for. The accident took place on Saturday night near Idjwi Island in South Kivu province, as reported by local authorities.
Félix Habiragi, the chief of the village of Kisheke, stated that the vessel was transporting more than 50 people at the time of the incident. Eyewitness accounts and videos from the scene depict villagers and other passengers engaged in efforts to recover bodies from the lake. Reports indicate that approximately 15 people were rescued following the capsizing.
The vessel was reportedly making a journey from Bwina on Idjwi Island to Boza, carrying both fish traders and goods. However, the precise cause of the accident remains unclear as investigations are ongoing.
Boat accidents are a frequent occurrence in the DRC, where rivers and lakes serve as critical transportation routes for over 100 million people. Many vessels are often overloaded with passengers and cargo, and it is common for travelers to board without life jackets, despite recent regulations aimed at improving safety. Dorcelle Bagazane, a member of the civil society in Idjwi, highlighted that while authorities have mandated the use of life jackets, compliance remains low among passengers.
This incident follows another maritime tragedy earlier in the week, where at least 41 people lost their lives when a boat capsized on Lake Tanganyika, also in the DRC. That vessel was carrying around 100 individuals and cargo when it sank near the village of Mapera.
The DRC's waterways are vital for trade and transportation, yet the lack of stringent safety measures continues to pose risks to those who rely on them. As rescue operations continue and investigations are initiated, the focus remains on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such frequent maritime disasters in the region.