This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
At least 11 people have lost their lives in a devastating boat accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with dozens more feared missing.
According to authorities, the barge sank on the Lukenye river in central Kasai province, a week ago, leaving 16 survivors who managed to swim to safety.
"We have recovered 11 bodies and about 50 people are missing," Kasai governor Dieudonne Pieme told AFP on August 6, 2019.
The accident occurred in a remote and densely forested region where rivers are the main means of transport due to a lack of driveable roads.
Most of those on board were reportedly travelling to the DR Congo capital of Kinshasa.
Boat accidents are common in the vast country, often caused by overloading of passengers and cargo, with high tolls due to the lack of life jackets and swimming skills among the population.
Recent boat accidents in the country have claimed numerous lives, including a May incident on Lake Mai-Ndombe that resulted in 32 deaths, and an April incident that killed at least 167 people.
