Boat Shipwreck in Bolomba: At Least 6 Dead, Several Missing

Kinshasa, January 11, 2026 - Bolomba, Équateur Province, January 6, 2026 - A tragic boat accident occurred on the night of January 5-6 on the Congo River, between the Dianga chiefdom and the village of Bokuma in Bolomba territory, leaving at least six dead, several missing, and 73 survivors. A significant cargo was also lost, and the number of casualties could rise.

According to reports, the disaster was caused by a collision between a motorized pirogue carrying passengers and a whaleboat (registered H/B Zulu). Survivors who reached Mbandaka are facing difficulties returning to Bolomba.

This incident is part of a series of recurring accidents on the Congo River, often caused by overloaded boats, nighttime navigation, and lack of safety equipment.

Tragic Precedents

December 20, 2025: H/B Mbeya Mbeya capsized near Mbandaka, causing 10 deaths. Investigations cited overloading and absence of life jackets.

September 11, 2025: Two accidents in Basankusu and Ngombe resulted in approximately 200 deaths.

April 15, 2025: A fire near Mbandaka led to the disappearance of about 100 people.

Despite government measures such as a ban on nighttime navigation and mandatory life jacket use, authorities admit that enforcement remains weak, leaving river traffic vulnerable to repeated tragedies.