Maritime Tragedy in Cameroon: Lake Chad Boat Capsize Kills 18

The passengers were en route to the periodic market in Doré-Liman when the overloaded vessel succumbed to rough waves.

A Heavy Human Toll

Initial official reports confirm that 18 people lost their lives, including 13 young girls aged 7 to 16, four teenagers, and one adult. Fifteen passengers were rescued thanks to the efforts of local fishermen and emergency responders, but many others remain missing, leaving their families in anguish.

At the scene, the cries of survivors and mourning relatives echoed as rescue teams, supported by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), continued their search under challenging conditions.

A Foreseeable Tragedy

Mahamat, a local fisherman who helped with the rescue, recounted the harrowing events:

“The boat was overloaded, as is often the case. There were violent waves. When it started taking on water, the passengers panicked, which caused it to capsize.”

Authorities had issued warnings weeks before the tragedy. The Prefect of Logone and Chari, Fombele Mathias Tayem, had previously released a statement highlighting the dangers posed by rising water levels due to heavy rains. He recommended stricter safety measures for river transport, including vessel inspections and the use of life jackets.

Inadequate Rescue Resources

Rescue workers have highlighted the lack of adequate resources to deal with such emergencies. One responder commented:

“Our boats aren’t fast enough, and it’s hard to search effectively in these murky waters. Every minute matters when trying to save lives.”

Despite these challenges, the search operation continues, supported by local volunteers.

Survivors Share Their Stories

Among the survivors, Fanné Moussa, visibly shaken, described the terrifying ordeal:

“It all happened so fast. I saw women and children crying for help. I was lucky that a fisherman pulled me out of the water. My son, however, is still missing.”

Such heartbreaking testimonies underscore the pain and helplessness felt by the victims of these recurring tragedies.

Renewed Debate on River Transport Safety

This tragic accident reignites the debate over the safety of water transport on Lake Chad. Many observers and locals blame hazardous practices such as overloading, the lack of life jackets, and aging boats.

Authorities at both the local and national levels face mounting pressure to enforce stricter regulations and raise awareness among boat operators and passengers to prevent future disasters.

For now, the tragedy leaves grieving families and a community grappling with the harsh realities of unsafe navigation in the region.