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20 Dead, Dozens Missing as Boat with Nearly 300 Passengers Capsizes in Lukenie River

In Summary:

  • A boat carrying almost 300 passengers capsized in the Lukenie River, resulting in 20 confirmed deaths and many missing.
  • At least 20 people have been confirmed dead, with dozens still missing and feared dead.
  • The accident occurred on August 19 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with ongoing rescue operations.


At least 20 people have died, and dozens are missing after a boat carrying nearly 300 passengers capsized in the Lukenie River in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the night of Sunday, August 19, 2024.

The vessel, a motorized wooden boat heading to Nioki town, overturned after hitting submerged tree trunks.

Kutu District Administrator Jacques Nzena confirmed that 20 bodies, including a 9-month-old baby and four women, have been recovered so far, while 46 people have been rescued.

“We’ve rescued 46 people so far, but hundreds are still unaccounted for,” Jacques Nzena said during a news conference.

Search efforts continue for the remaining passengers.

Nzena stressed the importance of following safety guidelines, stating, “We are constantly reminding everyone that it is forbidden to sail at night because it is very dangerous,” as reported by Voice of America.

Despite these warnings, night-time navigation remains a common practice in the area.

This tragedy comes just two months after a similar accident in which over 80 people died when a boat capsized in the Kwa River.