KINSHASA, Congo (AP) – A tragic incident occurred in southwestern Congo where a boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of 25 individuals, many of whom were soccer players. This unfortunate event took place on Sunday night, as the team was returning from a match in Mushie city, located in the Maï-Ndombe province. The vessel capsized on the Kwa River, according to Alexis Mputu, the provincial spokesman.

Mputu indicated that poor visibility at night might have contributed to the accident. Nighttime travel on waterways, particularly in rural areas, poses significant challenges and increases the risk of accidents. Such incidents are not uncommon in the central African country, where late-night journeys and overcrowded vessels frequently lead to tragic outcomes. Authorities continue to struggle with enforcing maritime regulations, which could help prevent such disasters.

Renacle Kwatiba, the local administrator of Mushie territory, reported that at least 30 other individuals managed to survive the tragic capsizing. Rescue efforts took place shortly after the incident, and survivors are now receiving assistance. Unfortunately, accidents involving boats are a significant concern in Congo, where the rivers serve as a vital means of transportation for the nation’s over 100 million residents.

The reliance on waterways, especially in remote regions lacking adequate infrastructure, has resulted in numerous fatalities over the years. Many people have turned to wooden vessels for transport, abandoning the limited and often dangerous roadways. In recent years, hundreds of lives have been lost in similar boat accidents as passengers and goods cram into boats, heightening the risk of overcrowding and subsequent fatalities.

Authorities in Congo face ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of their waterways, as the demand for transportation continues to grow. The combination of inadequate maritime regulations, poor visibility during night travel, and the increasing reliance on boats for transportation contributes to a cycle of accidents that claim many lives.

As the nation mourns the loss of life from this latest tragedy, it brings to light the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulatory enforcement on its waterways. Addressing these issues is crucial to safeguard those who depend on river transport for their livelihoods and mobility, ensuring that such incidents do not become a recurring feature of life in Congo.