Multiple people missing after boat collision on Congo River in DR Congo

Multiple people are missing after two motorized wooden boats collided on the Congo River in Équateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, causing one vessel to sink.

The collision occurred near Ngombe-Lukolela during the night, when two traditional motorized boats known locally as baleinières struck each other.

One of the vessels reportedly capsized and sank almost immediately, throwing dozens of passengers into the river.

Residents and nearby river users rushed to help survivors, but darkness and strong currents complicated the initial rescue effort.

Search and rescue operations remain underway for passengers who are still unaccounted for, while relatives have gathered along the riverbanks awaiting information.

Provincial authorities have not yet released an official casualty figure or confirmed the exact cause of the collision.

An investigative team is expected to travel from Mbandaka, the capital of Équateur Province, to examine the wreck and determine what caused the accident.

River transport remains essential across much of DR Congo, where overcrowding, nighttime travel and limited safety controls have contributed to repeated accidents.