At least 12 people have died after a boat capsized on Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dozens of people remain missing following the accident, according to local authorities.
The vessel was carrying more than 50 people when it capsized near Idjwi Island in South Kivu province on Saturday night, Al Jazeera reported, citing The Associated Press.
Around 15 people were rescued.
Fish traders were travelling across Lake Kivu
The boat was carrying fish traders and goods from Bwina on Idjwi Island to Boza.
Félix Habiragi, chief of Kisheke village near the scene, said the cause of the accident was not immediately known.
Local administrator Muhindo Ntambuka Pascal confirmed that traders and goods were aboard the vessel.
Videos appearing to show the aftermath showed local residents and passengers recovering bodies from the lake.
Life jacket concerns
Boats are an important form of transport across DR Congo’s extensive network of lakes and rivers.
However, vessels can carry large numbers of passengers and goods. Many passengers also travel without life jackets.
Dorcelle Bagazane, a civil society member in Idjwi, said authorities had previously introduced requirements for passengers to wear life jackets.
However, Bagazane said many people continue to travel without them.
Second deadly boat accident in days
The Lake Kivu disaster came only days after another deadly boat accident in DR Congo.
At least 41 people died when a vessel capsized on Lake Tanganyika earlier in the week.
Another 49 people were rescued.
That boat was reportedly carrying about 100 passengers and cargo when it capsized near the Congolese village of Mapera.
The two accidents have left at least 53 people dead within days.
Search and recovery efforts following the latest Lake Kivu accident were continuing as dozens remained unaccounted for.