At least 20 dead after boat capsizes in DR Congo

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo

At least 20 people were killed after a boat capsized in Lake Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) late on Friday, local sources have said.

One source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the motorized boat was traveling between Goma and Idjwi (an island in the middle of Lake Kivu).

Residents of the island told Anadolu Agency more than 20 people were thought to have died.

Balume Dido, an administrator in North Kivu, confirmed the incident and added that the boat had not been allowed to travel. He did not give any official confirmation of the death toll.

Boat accidents in Congolese waters are common because of non-compliance with safety rules. Some vessels are usually overloaded and others are old.

On June 11 and July 16 at least 33 people died in similar incidents in Lake Mai-Ndombe, western DRC.