# Maritime accidents on Lake Tanganyika

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maritime-accidents-on-lake-tanganyika
> Updated: 2026-09-25T01:00:12.000Z. Sources: 86. Developments: 2.

A major maritime tragedy occurred on Lake Tanganyika when the vessel MV MJP capsized near the village of Mapera. The boat was traveling from Kigoma, Tanzania, to Kalemie in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, carrying approximately 100 people and cargo.

At least 41 people died and 49 others were rescued. Survivors reported being awakened around 1:00 a.m. as the boat began tilting to one side. Reports suggest the vessel may have been overloaded, potentially carrying four vehicles and approximately 480 tonnes of wheat flour. Provincial transport minister Norris Mulongoyi confirmed that search operations are underway to locate missing passengers.

This incident follows a vessel fire on the same Kigoma-Kalemie route on August 28, involving the explosion of the MV Pacifique at Kigoma port. Authorities have identified overloaded vessels and a lack of life jackets as frequent issues in the region, where water transport is essential due to limited infrastructure.

## Claims

- At least 14 people died in the plane crash. (disputed by 15 sources)
- The death toll has been revised to 17 people, including 16 adults and one baby. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The death toll from the crash was initially reported as 13 and later updated to 17. (disputed)
- The aircraft developed a technical fault during flight. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- An investigation into the plane crash has been launched. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The vessel capsized near the village of Mapera while traveling from Kigoma, Tanzania, to Kalemie. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Search teams have been deployed to locate missing passengers. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- At least 41 people died in the boat capsize. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The boat was carrying approximately 100 people and cargo. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- 49 people have been rescued. (corroborated by 18 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: DR Congo military plane crash kills at least 14 people

A military aircraft crash in Kenge, DR Congo, has killed at least 14 people, including two high-ranking generals, after a technical fault forced an emergency landing in a residential area.

84 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-tanganyika-shipwreck-mv-mjp-capsizes-with-dozens-feared-dead

### 2026-09-03: Maritime accidents in Vietnam and Tanzania result in rescues and fatalities

Thirty-two fishermen were rescued in Vietnam after a maritime accident, while a boat fire and explosion on Lake Tanganyika killed six crew members and left one missing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maritime-accidents-in-vietnam-and-tanzania-result-in-rescues-and-fatalities

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Cite as: Maritime accidents on Lake Tanganyika. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maritime-accidents-on-lake-tanganyika