Deadly Boat Incident Erupts on Congo River

A catastrophic fire erupted on the Congo River vessel HB Kongolo, leading to over 50 deaths and many more people going missing.

Key Takeaways

A boat capsized after catching fire in northwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), resulting in at least 50 deaths and hundreds going missing.
The incident occurred on the Congo River near Mbandaka as the boat departed Matankumu port for Bolomba.
Approximately 100 survivors were evacuated to Mbandaka’s town hall, many suffering from severe burn injuries.
Professional resources struggle with Congo’s frequent boat accidents due to lacking rescue equipment.
Many passengers, not knowing how to swim, drowned after jumping into the Congo River.

Initial Incident and Aftermath

The HB Kongolo, a wooden motorized boat carrying approximately 400 passengers, became engulfed in flames Tuesday night near Mbandaka after leaving Matankumu port. The fire ignited from cooking activities on board, causing panic as the flames spread rapidly. In the chaos, many passengers, including women and children, jumped into the river, desperately attempting to escape the inferno. Sadly, a significant number of individuals did not survive this catastrophic event.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s reliance on river transport, especially in remote areas with insufficient infrastructure, exacerbates the dangers posed by frequent boat accidents. Overcrowding and inadequate enforcement of maritime regulations reportedly continue to be severe challenges in maintaining safety. In addition, Al Jazeera’s Alain Uaykani said stated rescue teams in the country tended to be inexperienced and unprepared for such disasters.

At least 50 killed after boat catches fire, capsizes in DR Congo https://t.co/UnFeN7UsrZ

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 17, 2025

Rescue Efforts and Community Response

Rescue efforts began swiftly, aided by local authorities and the Red Cross, to save passengers and provide initial assistance. Approximately 100 survivors received immediate medical attention at a temporary shelter set up at Mbandaka Town Hall, with several treated for severe burn injuries. The community’s rapid response played a crucial role in managing the crisis, while ongoing operations aim to locate the numerous missing individuals.

Efforts by relief organizations are underway to support families confronting the devastating uncertainty of missing loved ones. Community leaders and local volunteers have rallied together, delivering essential supplies and moral support to affected individuals. The unity displayed by the community underscores a collective commitment to overcoming this tragedy.

This isn’t the only recent deadly boat incident in Congo. Numerous similar incidents have occurred in the past, such as the fatal December ferry accident claiming at least 38 lives and the October capsizing on Lake Kivu, resulting in 78 deaths.