The vessel was nearing its destination in Goma, having departed from Minova in South Kivu, when the tragedy occurred just a few hundred meters from shore.
Eyewitness footage circulating online shows the boat tilting before it sank. Rescue operations are ongoing, and regional governor Jean Jacques Purisi noted that it could take three days or more to recover all the bodies. "Not all the bodies have been found yet," the governor told reporters.
Survivor Alfani Buroko Byamungu, 51, described the moments leading up to the disaster. "The conditions seemed calm, but suddenly people were sinking—women, children, many went under. I was close to drowning myself, but I was fortunate to survive," he said from his hospital bed.
Local activist Aaron Ashuza, who witnessed the aftermath, confirmed that bodies were being recovered, and several injured passengers were taken to the hospital. Two children later died after being admitted.
Bahati Selemani, a dock worker who participated in rescue efforts, noted that the ferry was visibly overloaded and faced strong waves. "The boat started to capsize slowly. Those on the upper deck began jumping into the lake, but the boat eventually capsized entirely," he explained.
Ferry disasters are frequent in the DRC due to overcrowding and inadequate safety measures, such as the lack of life jackets. The absence of proper passenger manifests further complicates rescue operations, as authorities struggle to account for everyone onboard.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway as search and recovery efforts continue. Authorities are urging stricter safety protocols to avoid future tragedies on the country's waterways.