# Nongoa pirogue shipwreck on Makona River

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nongoa-pirogue-shipwreck-on-makona-river
> Updated: 2026-09-28T21:51:20.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

On September 15, 2026, a motorized pirogue capsized on the Makona River near Nongoa, Guinea. The vessel was transporting approximately 43 passengers, many of whom were Sierra Leonean nationals, across the river toward Sierra Leone.

Local authorities reported that the accident occurred around 2:00 PM. Preliminary reports suggest the engine may have failed, causing the boat to strike a tree, or that water entered the vessel. While 41 people were rescued, two fatalities—a woman and an 18-month-old child—were confirmed, and one person remained missing. Nongoa Mayor Gabriel Bongono noted that the use of life jackets likely prevented more deaths. The incident has led to renewed calls for improved security and rehabilitation of the river crossing.

## Claims

- At least 40 people were rescued from the water. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- Two people were found dead following the incident. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Survivors estimated there were approximately 60 people on the boat. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- None of the passengers on the vessel were wearing life jackets. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- A fight involving a machete occurred on the boat, causing serious injuries. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The vessel Tripiti initially rescued four people from the water. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The majority of people aboard the boat were migrants from the Dominican Republic. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Mona Island shipwreck: 40 rescued and 2 dead after boat capsizes

At least 40 people were rescued and two died after a makeshift boat carrying approximately 60 migrants capsized near Mona Island, Puerto Rico, following a violent machete fight on board.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mona-island-boat-capsizes-2-dead-and-40-rescued-after-reported-machete-attack

### 2026-09-15: Nongoa pirogue shipwreck leaves two dead and one missing

A motorized pirogue capsized on the Makona River near Nongoa, Guinea, killing two people and leaving one missing. Most passengers, primarily Sierra Leoneans, were rescued after wearing life jackets.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nongoa-pirogue-shipwreck-leaves-two-dead-and-one-missing

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Cite as: Nongoa pirogue shipwreck on Makona River. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nongoa-pirogue-shipwreck-on-makona-river