Lake Tanganyika Boat Accident Leaves 22 Dead Near Kalemie

Kalemie, April 15, 2026 - At least 22 people have died following a boating accident on Lake Tanganyika in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities announced.

The incident occurred on Monday, April 13, a few kilometers from Kalemie, the capital of Tanganyika province, involving a wooden dugout canoe carrying passengers across the lake.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the vessel capsized after being caught in strong winds while also being overloaded, a combination officials say contributed to the tragedy.

The boat had reportedly departed in the early hours of the morning from an unauthorized docking point in Kasama, a village located roughly 18 kilometers from Kalemie. Several passengers survived the accident, though the exact number has not been confirmed.

Authorities described the port of departure as “illegal,” raising renewed concerns over informal transport routes and safety standards on Lake Tanganyika, where maritime accidents have frequently been linked to overloading and poor regulation.

Rescue and recovery operations were carried out following the incident, while local officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking.