Ferry capsizes in Democratic Republic of Congo, nearly 140 people dead and missing

A ferry carrying people returning home for Christmas capsized on the Busira River in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo due to overloading, killing 38 people and leaving more than 100 missing, with 20 others rescued, local officials and witnesses said on December 21.

The ferry sank late on December 20, less than four days after a boat capsized in the same northeastern African nation, killing 25 people.

Local officials said the ferry was traveling with a group of other ships and that the passengers were mainly businessmen returning home for Christmas.

According to witnesses, the ferry carrying more than 400 people passed through the two ports of Ingende and Loolo, on its way to Boende, so the death toll is likely to rise.

Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo regularly warn about overloaded boats and have vowed to punish those who violate safety measures on the river.

However, in remote areas, many people cannot afford public transport on the few roads available.