Dozens of people have died after a boat carrying passengers and goods capsized on Lake Tumba in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Bikoro territory, with rescue efforts hampered by a lack of basic equipment and resources.

Territorial administrator Justin Mputu told local media that the vessel was navigating the lake when it overturned under turbulent conditions.

While the exact cause is still unclear, authorities suspect the tragedy was linked to heavy rainfall and overcrowding.

“We’re forced to requisition private boats for this type of operation, but sometimes we don’t even have enough fuel to carry out our work properly,” said Bikoro Lake Commissioner Gabriel Ifulu Bongolomba, who confirmed that rescue operations were underway despite serious logistical challenges.

Congo's rivers and lakes are vital transport routes for millions of people, especially in remote areas with poor infrastructure. However, deadly boat accidents have become common across the country due to overloaded vessels, poor maintenance, and unpredictable weather.

According to the Provincial Coordination of the Panel of Civil Society Experts of Equateur, two boats had left Bikoro Port on Wednesday afternoon despite signs of overloading and unstable weather.

“Witnesses reported that the overcrowding was so severe that passengers were being turned away from the canoes,” said Akula Dieu, a member of the group.

Mputu said the boat capsized due to turbulent waters caused by heavy rain, although full details were still emerging. Emergency responders have continued to search the area, facing delays and hazards due to the absence of life jackets, rescue boats, and fuel.

The tragedy has once again exposed the vulnerability of water transport in the DRC and the urgent need for better regulation and investment in transport safety.