Riverboat Capsizes Near Yakusu Leaving Four Dead

Kisangani, Tshopo, August 7, 2026 - A tragic incident occurred on August 6 when the riverboat HB Ville de Bandu capsized approximately 15 kilometers upstream from Kisangani, near Yakusu. The vessel, which was en route to Lokutu, was reported to have left at 18:05, violating the local post-16:00 navigation ban. According to river police, the capsizing resulted in the deaths of four individuals, while 31 passengers were rescued. Initial investigations suggest that strong winds and a false maneuver contributed to the disaster.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that following the capsizing, some local fishers from Linoko allegedly engaged in looting the vessel. This incident has raised concerns about safety regulations on the Congo River, particularly regarding adherence to navigation bans intended to protect passengers during adverse weather conditions. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and the subsequent actions of the fishers involved.