World Bulletin/News Desk

The death toll from the sinking of an overloaded boat in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday rose to 130 after more bodies were fished out of Lake Tanganyika, a senior official said Monday.

"Unfortunately, this toll is only temporary as more bodies are being found," Transport Minister for the Katanga Province Laurent Sumba Kahozi told The Anadolu Agency.

"As for survivors, the majority were admitted to a hospital in Kalemie," a town located on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika, he added.

On Friday, a boat carrying passengers and cargo on Lake Tanganyika – the world's longest freshwater lake – capsized, with officials blaming the mishap on "overloading and adverse weather conditions."

Initial reports had put the death toll at only 26.

"As many as 237 people were rescued, including 14 who are currently in critical condition and hospitalized in provincial capital Lubumbashi," Kahozi said.

District Commissioner of Kalemie Jean-Felix Ilunga told AA that DRC naval forces were still crisscrossing Lake Tanganyika – with the help of local fishermen – in search of additional survivors or bodies.