At least 41 dead after overloaded boat capsizes on Lake Tanganyika

A passenger boat en route from Tanzania to the Democratic Republic of Congo capsized on Lake Tanganyika close to the settlement of Mapera, resulting in at least 41 deaths. According to transport minister Norris Mulongoyi, the craft was carrying roughly 100 people along with cargo when it overturned. Rescue operations have so far saved 49 individuals, and authorities are still looking for the missing passengers.

While the exact trigger of the disaster remains unclear, local experts note that boats in the area are frequently overloaded and lack adequate safety equipment such as life jackets. Rivers and lakes serve as vital transport corridors in remote parts of the Congo where road infrastructure is limited. Past maritime accidents in the region have claimed hundreds of lives, highlighting ongoing safety challenges.