A viral video showing a tragic boat accident has been widely shared on social media, with many incorrectly claiming it took place in Goa. However, after conducting a thorough investigation, it has been confirmed that the incident actually occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Misleading Claims on Social Media
The video, which shows a boat capsizing and people struggling to stay afloat, has been circulated with false claims. Several social media users, including some prominent figures, have shared the video attributing it to an alleged boat accident in Goa. They claim that a steamer, overloaded with passengers, sank off Goa’s coast, resulting in the loss of multiple lives.
Accident of overloaded Steamer boat today in Goa. 40 people rescued, 64 missing and 23 bodies recovered.
— RANA SANGHA – RoughSeaSailor. (@Sangha2Bs) October 5, 2024
Greed of the boat owner led to this accident.🤔🧐😥😢😓 pic.twitter.com/fDouQ6saju
One such user, posting on X, alleged that “23 bodies were recovered, 40 people were rescued, and 64 remain missing.” Another post blamed the boat’s owner for overcrowding and putting lives at risk. Similarly, a popular YouTube channel shared the video, labeling it as a “tragic accident in Goa.”
Goa Police Set the Record Straight
In response to the widespread misinformation, Goa Police took to social media to clarify that the incident in the viral video did not happen in India. According to their official statement, the video in question is from a boat accident that took place in the Congo, not in Goa. The police urged the public to stop sharing unverified news and avoid spreading panic with misleading information.
Official Clarification:
— Goa Police (@Goa_Police) October 5, 2024
A video circulating on social media claims a boat capsized near Goa’s shores. This is false. The incident occurred in Goma, Congo, Africa. Please refrain from sharing unverified news.
— Goa Police pic.twitter.com/tldVrc3bUm
The boat tragedy referenced in the video actually occurred on Lake Kivu, located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disaster, which took place last month, involved a heavily overcrowded boat. Local authorities confirmed that 78 people lost their lives in the incident, with several others still missing.
What Really Happened in Congo
According to reports from Congolese officials, the boat that capsized on Lake Kivu was carrying more than 270 passengers, far exceeding its safe capacity. South Kivu Governor Jean Jacques Purisi confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing and the death toll could rise as more bodies are recovered from the lake.
The Congolese government has launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to hold those responsible for the overloading accountable. It will take several days to determine the full extent of the tragedy as search and recovery operations continue.
Fact Check Verdict
The claim that a boat accident occurred in Goa is false. The viral video being circulated on social media is from the Congo, where a tragic boat disaster took place, not from Goa as some users have misleadingly stated.
If you come across any suspicious claims or viral posts, always verify the facts before sharing. You can reach out to our team for fact-checking by emailing c9desk@gmail.com
rip those 60+ people. 🥺
happy its not from India