Kinshasa - At least 37 people have died and 200 are missing
after a boat sank on a lake in the Democratic Republic of Congo,
authorities said on Monday.
The accident happened on Lake Mai-Ndombe near the village of Lokanga
in the country's west on Saturday.
"Thirty-seven bodies have been recovered from the water, but more
than 200 are missing," said Cosmos Mbo Wemba, mayor of Inongo - the
capital of Mai-Ndombe province.
Some 185 passengers were also rescued, he said, confirming there had
been around 400 people onboard. The owner of the boat was arrested on
Sunday, the mayor said.
"The big boat had the capacity to transport 80 people, but it was
carrying 400 when it sank, said a local priest, Bonaventure Mulwale.
Ferry accidents are common on the lakes and rivers of Congo. Boats
are frequently overloaded and lack life vests.