This is a sharp increase on the initial death toll³, partly a result of the vessel⁴ carrying many more passengers than the official capacity of 80.

 

The boat was taking Congolese refugees in Uganda back to their home country.

 

Boat accidents are common in both countries because of poor safety standards and overloading⁵.

 

Congolese authorities have declared three days of national mourning for the victims of last Saturday's disaster - among whom were many children.

 

On Tuesday they made up more than half of the then death toll of 107. About 300 people are now thought to have been aboard.

 

"It is with deep sorrow that we confirm to the nation the death of 251 of our compatriots who had boarded the boat from the Ugandan side of Lake Albert," said Congolese government spokesman Lambert Mende Omalanga, adding that "we have managed to have something like 50 people who have escaped."

 

Congolese authorities are helping⁶ to support survivors, while arranging funerals for the dead, he said.

 

Saturday's disaster happened just days after DR Congo launched a campaign to enforce the wearing of life jackets on all boats on its many waterways.

 

It is common for boats in both countries to have too few, if any, life jackets on board.

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