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60 Dead, More than 200 Missing in Congo River Boating Accident

VOA News

   ADemocratic Republic of Congoofficialsaid more than200people are
   missing after theboatthey were on sank on the Congo River, claiming the
   lives of atleast 60people Sunday nightinthe country's westernEquateur
   province.

   HumanitarianAffairsMinister SteveMbikayi is calling for sanctions
   against those responsible, addingthat theboatwas overloaded with
   passengers and cargo. He saidnight navigation also played a role in the
   accident.

   Mbikayi wrote on twitter Mondaythat300 people survivedthe accident.

   The boat wason a trip fromthe capital KinshasatoMbandaka when it
   capsized nearLongolaEkoti.

   Deadly boat accidents are common in the DRC.Boat accidents along the
   Congo River and its tributariesoftenend with
   fatalitiesbecausemanypassengersarenot wearing safetyvestsandbecausethey
   occur in remote locations where rescue efforts can be delayed.

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