At least 38 people have been confirmed dead, and over 100 remain missing after a ferry capsized on the Busira River in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ferry, carrying passengers travelling for Christmas, sank late on Friday, according to local officials and witnesses.
Joseph Joseph Kangolingoli, the mayor of Ingende, stated that the ferry was part of a convoy of vessels, with most passengers being merchants returning home for the holidays. Twenty people have been rescued so far, while rescue operations continue.
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An Ingende resident, Ndolo Kaddy, estimated that the ferry was overcrowded, carrying more than 400 passengers after stopping at two ports along its route to Boende. Officials fear the death toll may rise further.
Congolese authorities have frequently warned against boat overloading, a common cause of river accidents, but safety enforcement remains a challenge in remote areas where alternatives to water transport are scarce.
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