37 dead, more than 200 missing after boat accident on DRC lake

Published May 27, 2019

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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.

dpa

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