19 feared dead in Congo River wreckage

At least 19 people went missing and are feared dead in a wreckage on the River Congo, witnesses reported on Saturday. A motor boat sailing from the port of Dingi to Kisangani in the northeastern province of Orientale sank over night between Wednesday and Thursday. The vessel had more than 30 people on board when it capsized in the strong wind of a storm, survivors told reporters. The 11 survivors were taken to hospital in Kisangani for proper treatment after the wreckage. Maritime accidents are frequently reported on the 4,700-km Congo River, notably due to overloading and poor conditions of safety. Statistics from the Congolese Ministry of Transports and Communication show that more than 2,000 people lost their lives in accidents on the River Congo, other rivers and lakes in 2009 alone.