DR Congo: Dozens dead after lake tanganyika boat capsize near kalemie

At least 30 people have died after a motorized wooden boat capsized on Lake Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) during the night of Sunday, April 12 to Monday, April 13, 2026. According to reports from RFI, the vessel overturned after being hit by violent winds, triggering one of the latest tragic maritime accidents in the region. A provisional toll confirmed on Tuesday, April 14, reports at least 30 fatalities, according to official sources.

The wooden motorized canoe, with an estimated capacity of around 50 passengers, had departed from the locality of Katibili, about 30 kilometers south of Kalemie, heading toward the city of Kalemie in eastern DR Congo.

Around 4 a.m. on Monday, the boat was caught in severe weather conditions and capsized off the village of Kibanga, approximately 10 kilometers from Kalemie.

Local residents quickly launched rescue operations early in the morning, searching for survivors and recovering victims from the water. The death toll includes women and children, according to initial reports.

Uncertain passenger count complicates rescue assessment

The toll was confirmed by the mayor of Kalemie, David Mukeba, who stated that the number of confirmed deaths rose from 16 on Monday to 30 by Tuesday evening.

However, the exact number of passengers remains unknown, making it difficult to establish a precise balance of victims.

Authorities reported that the boat was traveling without an official passenger manifest, which is supposed to list all individuals on board. A maritime police source in Kalemie criticized the absence of this document, noting that it significantly complicates search and rescue operations.