ReportLake Kivu Boat Capsizes: 12 Bodies Recovered, Passenger Count UnknownAired September 28, 2026 at 9:35 AM UTCWritten September 28, 2026 at 9:39 AM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:11Searchers recovered at least 12 bodies after a boat capsized on Lake Kivu.0:15Dozens were reported missing, but there is no verified list of everyone who boarded.0:19How many people were aboard and how many made it back?0:22The vessel overturned in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on the night of0:25September 26th into September 27th.0:28By the morning of September 28th, there was no corroborated official revision of the0:33minimum death toll.0:3412 bodies recovered is not a final count of the dead.0:37The boat carried traders, other passengers, and goods.0:40Some passengers sold sambaza, a small fish.0:43It is not established that everyone aboard was a fish trader.0:46The sinking was reported in waters near Aijui Island in South Kivu, though accounts0:51differ on whether to describe the location as on or near the island.0:54Even the starting number is uncertain.0:56Kishaki Village Chief Felix Habiragi estimated more than 50 people aboard.1:01Other local coverage estimated more than 80, while one account put the number at1:05roughly 50.1:06None is a confirmed passenger manifest.1:09More than 50 does not by itself rule out more than 80.1:12The accounts also differ on how many people survived, about 15 rescued in one, five1:17survivors in another.1:18Those numbers have not been reconciled.1:20They could reflect different moments, different ways of counting, or an error.1:24The available information does not establish which.1:26One account describes dozens missing, while another says several remain unaccounted1:31for.1:32Subtracting any of these figures from an estimated passenger total would not produce1:36a reliable missing person count.1:38The boat's journey is disputed too.1:41One itinerary runs from Buena to Boza, both identified as places on Idui.1:46The other begins in Bukavu and heads for northern Ijui.1:49Neither route has been established as the vessel's actual itinerary.1:53Villagers and local responders were reported searching and recovering bodies.1:57Accounts place search activity around the Nyakolingo grouping and describe the2:01sinking near Buena.2:02Searches were reported continuing, but there is no verified tally of later2:05recoveries, a full accounting of any official rescue deployment or established time2:09when the search ended.2:11The cause remains undetermined.2:12Local descriptions mention waves after rain.2:15Some also mention heavy rain, a storm, or concerns about the craft's condition.2:19None establishes why this boat overturned.2:22There is no verified finding that overloading, a mechanical fault, or the use of2:26life jackets determined the outcome.2:28The answer to how many boarded and returned is still unknown.2:31There is no confirmed manifest, reconciled rescue count, or precise missing person2:35total.2:36As of the morning of September 28th, families had a minimum of twelve deaths, but no2:40dependable accounting of everyone who was aboard.Explore with HeyDexFollow via RSSThe shortThe short ↗