A motorized canoe capsized on Thursday in Darak, in Cameroon’s Far North region, leaving at least 20 people dead and several others missing, local sources reported.
The vessel, carrying approximately 100 passengers, departed Darak early in the morning en route to Doro Liman market, a frequent destination for residents in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the overloaded canoe encountered difficulties on the waters of Lake Chad, resulting in the tragic incident.
Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors and recovering bodies from the lake. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as the operation continues.
“We are doing everything we can to locate the missing,” one rescue worker stated, underscoring the challenges posed by the vast expanse of the lake and the unpredictable weather conditions.
The prefect of Logone-et-Chari is expected to visit the site on Friday to assess the situation and oversee relief efforts.
The tragedy highlights the persistent risks associated with water transport in the region, where overloaded boats are often used to navigate remote areas.
Darak and its surrounding communities rely heavily on such transportation for access to markets and other essential services.
While the cause of the accident is not yet confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that overcrowding and potentially poor weather conditions may have contributed.
Authorities have urged greater caution and adherence to safety regulations to prevent future incidents.
This devastating event serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in the Lake Chad Basin, where economic pressures and limited infrastructure force many to rely on precarious means of transport.
