78 persons feared dead as Ferry Capsizes in Congo’s Lake Kivu

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A devastating maritime accident has occurred on Lake Kivu when a ferry capsized, resulting in the drowning of at least 78 people.

The incident unfolded on Thursday when the overcrowded vessel, carrying 278 passengers, overturned just 700 meters from the port in Goma.

Video footage of the tragedy has surfaced online, showing the multi-deck ferry bending precariously in calm waters before it suddenly flipped, casting passengers into the lake.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and despair as relatives gathered on the shore, sobbing as they watched rescuers place bodies in bags.

Governor Jean Jacques Purisi of South Kivu province confirmed the death toll, stating that recovery efforts are ongoing and it may take up to three days to account for all missing persons.

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“Not all the bodies have been found yet,” he told Reuters. Meanwhile, Governor of North Kivu province reported that 58 individuals managed to survive the catastrophic event.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, including Alfani Buroko Byamungu, 51, who spoke from a local hospital bed.
“I saw people sinking, many went under. I saw women and children sinking in the water, and I myself was on the verge of drowning, but God helped me,” he said, recalling the panic and desperation that unfolded in the water.

As news of the accident spread, crowds gathered at the port where the ferry was scheduled to dock. Grieving relatives expressed their anger and frustration towards authorities, blaming the long-standing rebel conflicts that have disrupted road transportation and led to increased reliance on overcrowded boats.

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“All of this is part of the consequences of the war. They no longer make an effort to clear the enemies off the road so that it can become operational again,” lamented Mushagulua Bienfait, a Goma resident who lost three relatives in the tragedy.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this heart-breaking incident.

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