DR Congo boat accident: At least 40 dead, 167 missing

Rescue teams are desperately searching for 167 people who are missing following the capsizing of their boat in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday. 

More than 40 bodies have been recovered while 189 survivors were rescued after the boat sank in the Congo River. 

The boat was overloaded with more than 300 people and cargo. 

Boats are a common mode of transport in DR Congo due to the lack of roads, and boating accidents are frequent due to overloading, lack of maintenance and travelling at night. 

Officials say the boat was sailing at night in breach of safety regulations. 

DR Congo opposition leader and presidential candidate in December’s election, Moise Katumbi, said he was saddened by “this tragedy”.

He said it was a “direct consequence” of the government “which tolerates the overnight navigation of dilapidated and overloaded boats”.