AP reported 38 dead after a ship capsized in Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo overturned overloaded boat on the river Busira in the northeast of the country, 38 people were killed and 100 are missing. The Associated Press (AP) writes about it on December 22.

"An overloaded ferry carrying people returning home for Christmas capsized on the Busira River in northeastern Congo, killing 38 people and leaving more than 100 missing, officials and witnesses said Saturday. At the moment rescued 20 people", - stated in the material of the publication.

It is specified that the ferry was traveling as part of a convoy of other vessels. Passengers were mainly traders returning home for Christmas.

At the same time, eyewitnesses of the incident reported that the ship stopped on the way to Boende in two ports, Ingende and Loolo, because of which the death toll may be higher. According to a local resident, there were more than 400 people on the ferry, AP wrote.

"Congolese officials have often warned of overloaded boats and promised to punish those who violate safety measures on the rivers. However, in remote areas, many people cannot afford public transportation on the few roads available," the agency added.

Earlier, on November 24, it became known that the overturning of two ships with Somalis off the coast of Madagascar killed 24 people. It is specified that it was possible to save 46 people.

October 3, it was reported that on Lake Kivu in Congo overturned a ship with 278 passengers, 78 people were killed, the rest are missing. However, 40 people were saved, 10 of whom were hospitalized.