Lake Kivu Ferry Sinking Results in 87 Fatalities with Dozens Missing - 4 October 2024

On 4 October 2024, a passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kivu near Port Kituku in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in at least 87 confirmed fatalities. The vessel, which had departed from Minova in South Kivu, encountered a violent wave approximately 700 metres from shore and overturned. A total of 78 passengers remain missing and presumed lost, while 9 survivors have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment.

Rescue and recovery operations have been severely hampered by ongoing regional conflict. The Democratic Republic of Congo authorities have established a casualty identification centre at the general hospital in Goma, where recovered bodies are being processed.

The ferry was in transit across Lake Kivu when it encountered a violent wave at a distance of approximately 700 metres from the shoreline near Port Kituku. The sudden wave caused the vessel to capsize. The exact circumstances leading to the capsizing—including vessel loading, weather conditions, and structural factors—remain under investigation. Regional conflict has significantly impeded immediate rescue response and ongoing search operations.

Fatalities

• 87 confirmed deaths; bodies recovered and transported to Goma General Hospital for identification.

Injuries

• 9 survivors rescued and receiving medical treatment.

Rescued

• 9 survivors confirmed rescued.

Recovery efforts have focused on retrieving bodies and locating the 78 passengers still unaccounted for. All recovered remains have been transported to the general hospital in Goma for formal identification. The ongoing regional conflict has created significant obstacles to search operations, limiting the speed and scope of rescue efforts and complicating coordination between response agencies.

This incident underscores longstanding safety hazards on Lake Kivu, frequently attributed to vessel overloading and adverse weather conditions. The disaster has prompted renewed calls from the community and safety advocates for stricter maritime regulations, improved vessel inspection and oversight, and enhanced safety protocols for passenger ferries operating in the region.

Recovery and identification operations are ongoing at Goma General Hospital. Authorities continue to search for the 78 missing passengers. The incident has intensified pressure on regional authorities to implement stronger maritime safety measures and regulatory enforcement.