In Congo, a boat with 278 passengers capsized: many dead and missing

People who were waiting on the shore for their relatives and friends to arrive witnessed a tragedy. There were 278 people on board the boat, although the vessel was designed to carry only 80 people.

In Congo, 700 meters from the shore, a boat with 278 passengers capsized and sank. 78 people died, dozens are missing.

The vessel was reportedly overloaded due to the danger of land routes in the region. The tragic event occurred on Lake Kivu just as the MV Merdy was about to dock at the port of Kituku.

People who were waiting on the shore for their relatives and friends to arrive witnessed a tragedy. There were 278 people on board the boat, although the vessel was designed to carry only 80 people.

The boat sank in just a few seconds.

The governor of South Kivu province said the death toll now stands at 78

"The exact figures will be known in at least three days, because not all the bodies have been found yet," said Jean-Jacques Purisi.

The boat was overcrowded because fighting in the region between government forces and rebels had made roads dangerous or impassable.