In a devastating week for river travel in the Democratic Republic of Congo, two separate boat accidents claimed the lives of nearly 200 people and left many more unaccounted for.

At least 193 people were confirmed dead after separate river accidents in the country’s northwestern Equateur province on Wednesday and Thursday, as DW.com reports, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by travelers who rely on Congo’s waterways in the absence of reliable road infrastructure.

The first tragedy occurred on Wednesday at the confluence of the Nsolo and Great Maringa rivers in Basankusu territory. A motorized vessel carrying a large number of passengers -- most of them students -- capsized, leaving at least 86 dead. Residents rushing to the scene were able to rescue eight survivors, but several people remain missing, though no official number has been confirmed.

Authorities and civil society activists have pointed to night navigation and overloaded conditions as contributing factors in this accident. Akula Mboyo, a local civil society member, stated that "improper loading and night navigation" were both involved in the incident, noting such practices are officially banned. Navigating the rivers at night remains a common but dangerous practice despite regulatory prohibitions.

The site of the first incident lies in a remote part of Congo’s river system, which has long been plagued by a lack of enforcement, poor communication infrastructure, and limited emergency response capacity. As with many rural parts of the country, people in Basankusu rely heavily on boat travel to move themselves and their goods across vast distances.

Second boat fire leaves hundreds in peril

Tragedy struck again on Thursday evening, approximately 150 kilometers away, near the village of Malange in Lukolela territory. A large riverboat carrying close to 500 people caught fire and capsized while navigating the Congo River. Eyewitnesses reported flames consuming the vessel as passengers tried frantically to escape into the water.

Naval authorities and local volunteers responded to the emergency, managing to rescue 209 people from the water. However, 146 passengers are still missing, and with every passing hour, hopes of finding additional survivors fade. The fire also destroyed the boat’s cargo, and as the vessel drifted downstream, it set fire to 15 houses along the riverbank.

No official cause for the fire has been released, but given the vessel’s condition and known safety issues, concerns about faulty systems and overcrowding are suspected once again. Rural vessels in Congo often lack basic safety measures such as fire extinguishers, functional navigation lighting, or life vests.

Dangerous realities of travel in Congo

Travel by boat is essential in many parts of Congo, where proper roads are scarce and long stretches of land remain unreachable by anything but water. However, journeys can quickly turn perilous due to the poor condition of many boats and the lack of enforcement of safety regulations.

Many riverboats are old, poorly maintained, and overloaded with both people and goods. Accidents are tragically common, especially in the remote interior where emergency responses come slowly, if at all. Passengers often have no choice but to board these vessels due to a lack of safe alternatives.

Last year, a similar incident on Lake Kivu, in the eastern part of the country, claimed at least 78 lives. In that case, the sinking of a passenger vessel again highlighted the fragile state of transportation safety in the country. Despite public outcry, systemic reforms have been slow to take hold.

Lessons to learn

1. Transportation safety laws must be enforced without exception. The illegal use of overloaded boats and night navigation has repeatedly led to catastrophic outcomes. The community and authorities must prioritize compliance to prevent avoidable loss of life.

2. Investing in infrastructure can mean the difference between life and death. The lack of oversight, working equipment, and emergency response is directly tied to the dangerous conditions faced by travelers. Long-term investment in reliable roads and regulated vessels could dramatically reduce these risks.

3. Travelers should be equipped with the basic tools of survival. While systemic problems are the root issue, individuals should advocate for and seek out life jackets, check for vessel conditions, and avoid trips that occur after dark. Nevertheless, these tragedies remind us that even the most cautious passengers can fall victim. We must never blame those who perish or are harmed due to conditions beyond their control.

Why this story matters

This week's twin disasters underscore just how vulnerable river travelers in Congo remain.  Hundreds of families are grieving or left in fear, not knowing the fate of their loved ones.

This tragedy places a spotlight on the broader infrastructure problems in the country and the urgent need for action to protect lives.

Reforms urged

The Congolese government has not yet released a comprehensive response plan, although search and rescue teams continue their efforts. Naval personnel remain on-site at both locations, supported by residents who are using canoes and small boats to comb the waters for bodies or survivors.

Civil society leaders are calling for immediate regulatory enforcement and emergency investment to prevent future incidents. There is a growing consensus that until structural transportation issues are resolved, these deadly occurrences will persist. A visible commitment is needed from national leaders to prioritize river travel safety before more lives are lost.