At least 78 people drowned and many more are missing after an overcrowded boat carrying 278 passengers capsized near the shore of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The boat, MV Merdy, was approaching the port of Kituku near Goma when the disaster occurred.

The vessel was built for only 80 passengers, leading to severe overcrowding.

Many survivors blame the lack of lifejackets for the high death toll, The Guardian has reported.

Shipwrecks on Lake Kivu have become increasingly common due to unsafe conditions and insecurity on the region’s roads caused by ongoing conflict.

Rescue efforts continue.

Written by B.C. Begley