At least 41 dead after boat capsizes on DRC's Lake Tanganyika

At least 41 people have died after a boat capsized on Lake Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to reports of the incident.

Forty-nine passengers aboard the vessel were rescued, while a search operation was under way for additional passengers still unaccounted for at the time of reporting. The exact cause of the capsizing and the total number of people who had been aboard were not detailed in available information.

A frequent hazard

Boat accidents are a recurring danger on Lake Tanganyika and other major waterways in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where overcrowded vessels, aging infrastructure and limited safety enforcement have previously contributed to fatal incidents. The lake, one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world, is a key transport route for communities along its shores who often rely on boats due to limited road access.

Authorities have not yet released a full account of the circumstances surrounding the latest capsizing, including whether the vessel was carrying passengers, cargo or both, or whether weather conditions played a role.

Search and rescue efforts were continuing as of the latest update, with the toll of confirmed dead and rescued passengers subject to change as more information becomes available.