Barge sinks at Nganda Musolo port near Kinshasa

A barge belonging to the vessel Global Express sank on Sunday, October 4, at the General Kalume port in Nganda Musolo, west of Kinshasa. The accident occurred during docking maneuvers on the Congo River.

The barge was carrying passengers and a significant cargo of palm oil. Following the sinking, a large amount of oil spread across the water's surface, creating a slick that has complicated rescue operations and posed risks to those attempting to assist. Witnesses reported that the oil makes it extremely difficult for people to reach those in the water.

While several passengers are reported missing, an official death toll or exact number of victims has not yet been released by authorities. The vessel had arrived from Mbandaka and had been moored since Saturday. Local police and authorities are working to establish a passenger manifest to determine the exact number of people on board, while technical investigations are expected to look into the causes of the sinking.