At least two children and a woman have drowned after a passenger boat capsized on Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, regional government spokesman Claude Basila has been quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.
A total of 46 passengers had been rescued, while two were still missing, he added.
The overloaded boat had been traveling to the main city in eastern DR Congo, Goma, when it capsized overnight on Tuesday, Mr Basila said.
A survivor, Mubatiza Mukanirwa, told Reuters that his wife and children had drowned.
"It hurts so terribly," he said.
Other survivors said the death toll was likely to be higher, as the boat was carrying between 100 and 250 passengers.
"A big wave knocked it over and there was nothing more but screams," survivor Daniel Mutukura told Reuters.
Many people travel by boat in DR Congo because of a poor road and rail network
Latest Stories
-
Bawumia’s 8 minutes elite ball that quenched thirst of gun happy politicians
11 minutes -
It will be a betrayal if National Cathedral saga does not feature in ORAL’s work – Ablakwa
21 minutes -
‘It’s unfortunate we had to protect the public purse from Akufo-Addo’ – Ablakwa on ORAL Team’s mission
1 hour -
Congo lawyers say Apple’s supply chain statement must be verified
1 hour -
Stampede in southwestern Nigerian city causes multiple deaths
2 hours -
Tens of thousands without water in Mayotte as curfew brought in
2 hours -
ORAL: We won’t witch-hunt, we’ll focus on transparency, not revenge – Ablakwa
2 hours -
Attempted robbery: Accused claims he carried cutlass for protection
3 hours -
Excavator operator jailed for stealing
3 hours -
African fans age-shame me for putting on some outfits – Tiwa Savage
3 hours -
Tiwa Savage criticised by female fans for stance on cheating in relationships
3 hours -
Bank of England expected to hold interest rates
4 hours -
Congo river boat sinks killing at least 22
4 hours -
Nigeria approves Shell’s $2.4 billion asset sale to Renaissance
4 hours -
Embattled Liberian speaker questioned by police over parliament fire
5 hours