This was reported by the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. which increased from The death toll from the shipwreck rose from 36 to 47. happened last Friday evening, October 13, in the north-west of the country.

The flooding occurred around 22:00 local time (2100 GMT) on Friday. sailed the waters of the Kong Riveror between the city of Mbandaka and Bolomba territory.

“The number of victims has increased again. We have increased the number of bodies found from 36 to 47. Yesterday, eleven bodies have been recovered so far. “We continue to search because we believe there are many more passengers on this ship,” he said by phone. EFE Provincial Commissioner for Rivers, Compt. Mboyo.

“The provincial government has already started burying some of the bodies that have been deposited at the mortuary,” Mboyo added.

This Monday, Congolese Transport Minister Marc Ekila expressed regret that he was unable to “obtain records that would allow us to determine the exact number of passengers on board” due to “non-standard situation”

The accident was caused by “overloading,” the minister said, announcing the formation of a commission of inquiry to determine responsibility.

Wooden boat called “Mapamboli” (“Blessing” in Lingala) sank while maneuvering in the river port of Bankita, Mbandak.and transported more than a hundred passengers, as well as various cargoes, local media reported.

“There were many bags of cement, iron bars, as well as fuel and passengers, including children. So suddenly, having moved just a few meters from the port of Mbandaka, the ship sank due to overload,” he explained to the publication. EFE this Saturday Mboyo.

Ship sinkings are common in the Democratic Republic of Congo. because rivers and lakes are used daily as transport routes.

Unreliable ships usually travel heavily laden and there is little or no signage.

(EFE)