Tragic River Incident Unfolds in Congo

A devastating boat fire on the Congo River has claimed at least 50 lives and left hundreds missing after passengers leapt into the waters to escape the flames, highlighting the perilous state of maritime transport in the region.

Key Insights

The wooden vessel HB Kongolo, carrying approximately 400 passengers, caught fire when a woman was cooking on board near Mbandaka town.
About 100 survivors have been rescued, with many suffering burns and receiving treatment at local hospitals.
At least 50 people have been confirmed dead, while hundreds more remain missing.
This tragedy is part of a pattern of frequent maritime disasters in Congo, where overcrowded boats operate with minimal safety oversight.
Rivers serve as critical transportation infrastructure in Congo due to poor road conditions, forcing communities to rely on often dangerous watercraft.

Fire Erupts on Overcrowded Vessel

The disaster unfolded on Tuesday when the motorized wooden boat HB Kongolo, packed with approximately 400 passengers, caught fire while traveling near the northwestern town of Mbandaka. According to Compétent Loyoko, the local river commissioner, the blaze started when a woman was cooking on board the vessel. The situation rapidly deteriorated as flames spread throughout the wooden structure, causing panic among passengers who began jumping into the river. Many of those who perished were women and children who drowned after leaping into the water to escape the inferno.

Rescue operations commenced immediately but faced significant challenges due to the remote location and limited resources available in the area. Provincial authorities and the Red Cross worked to locate survivors and recover bodies from the murky waters of the Congo River. About 100 survivors have been taken to shelters established at Mbandaka town hall, while those suffering from burns have been transported to local hospitals for urgent medical care.

Boat catches fire, capsizes in Congo, leaving at least 50 people dead and hundreds missing: official https://t.co/5JibLdAdMu pic.twitter.com/zQuaxNDmLA

— New York Post (@nypost) April 16, 2025

Congo’s Troubled Maritime Safety Record

This catastrophe is unfortunately not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of maritime disasters in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rivers serve as vital transportation arteries in a country where road infrastructure remains severely underdeveloped. Millions of Congolese rely on these waterways as their primary means of travel between communities and for commerce, despite the well-documented risks. The country’s boats are often reportedly overcrowded, poorly maintained, and operated with minimal adherence to safety regulations.

Government oversight of these vessels remains inadequate, with enforcement of maritime safety regulations virtually nonexistent in many areas. The situation is reportedly further complicated by the presence of inexperienced and ill-equipped rescue teams that struggle to respond effectively when disasters strike.

History of Recurring Tragedies

The Congo River boat fire represents just the latest in a series of deadly maritime incidents. In December, a ferry accident claimed 38 lives, while an October capsizing on Lake Kivu resulted in 78 fatalities.

The HB Kongolo had departed from Matankumu en route to Bolomba territory when the fire erupted. As rescue efforts continue, there are fears that the death toll could rise significantly given the large number of passengers still unaccounted for.