In the waves of the Congo River, a cargo ship called the Gbémani sails slowly, its existence is not only a journey, but a test of survival.
The ship carries 2,000 passengers, who will face the extreme conditions of no water and electricity during the 1,700-kilometre journey, sharing the only toilet.
When night falls, the only light source is the faint flickering of distant stars, and every corner of the ship is full of unknown dangers and challenges.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa, the Congo River stretches out in its massive body, and its veins have a profound impact on the country. Each bend of the river bears the imprint of history and culture, and also bears witness to the lives and dreams of countless Congolese people.
The Congo River is more than just a river, it is the source of life and the bond that connects people's hearts. The river flows gently through the heart of the DRC, and its banks are home to villages and towns that have become the centre of life for the local population.
On the Congo River, wooden boats are the most common means of transportation. Despite their humble construction, these ships carry an important mission: they are the main means of transport connecting the cities of Kinshasa and Kisangani.
There are many kinds of boats on the Congo River, from small fishing boats to large cargo ships, which make their way through the river, forming a unique landscape. The port of Kinshasa, a major node on the Congo River, is home to hundreds of boats that come and go every day.
On the pier in Kinshasa, the busy figure of people stands out. Workers carry the goods off the ship and carry them to warehouses on shore.
There are no modern machinery here, everything is done by manpower. Commodities such as rice, palm oil, spices, etc., are carefully stacked on the docks, awaiting further distribution or sale. Here, time seems to slow down, and everything seems so primitive and simple.
Among the many ships in the port of Kinshasa, the presence of the GBÉMANI is undoubtedly prominent. Although this large cargo ship may look a little old, it is a ship of hope for countless dreamers.
Its deck is already packed with passengers, armed with luggage and necessities, ready to embark on an unknown journey. The ship does not have a dedicated cabin, so passengers can only find a slightly flat spot on deck or between cargo.
During the month of waiting for departure, everyone tried to adapt to this difficult living condition. They set up makeshift beds on board, some made small sheds out of canvas, and some spread thin cushions directly on the floor.
Hurry up, pile these boxes over there! We need to make room for new passengers. "The captain shouted, his voice echoing through the ships.
The crew moved quickly and did their best to create a little space in the crowded boat. Passengers also volunteered to help, knowing that every inch of space was precious on this journey.
The living conditions on board were extremely difficult. Without electricity, the nights can only rely on moonlight and flashlights. Fresh water is scarce and everyone must use it sparingly. The same goes for food, everyone has to take what they need and get through it together.
On deck, people set up makeshift tents or simply covered them with a piece of cloth. As night falls, the space on deck becomes more crowded, and people sit next to each other, trying to find a bit of peace on the rocking ship.
Be careful! "A girl suddenly screamed. A child slipped and almost rolled to the side of the boat. A young man next to him reached out in time and grabbed the child steadily.
Thank you, it's so dangerous. "The child's mother said nervously, looking at the young man gratefully.
Fishermen and crew work together to prepare the boat for sailing. They inspect the ropes and anchor chains to make sure everything is in place.
The captain stood at the bow of the ship and surveyed the surrounding sea with a telescope to make sure the channel was clear. The crew was busy on deck, directing the passengers to place their luggage in a position that would not obstruct the voyage.
We need to secure these cargoes to prevent them from moving during the voyage. "A crew member said to a group of passengers, who immediately began to assist in securing the cargo with ropes.
For the entire 1,700-kilometre voyage, there was no fresh water on board**, and passengers had to bring their own water sources. They carefully preserve every drop of precious water, knowing that it is the key to surviving on the journey.
The food is also prepared by everyone themselves, from dry food to canned food, and everyone can carry enough food for the long journey as much as possible.
As the time of departure approached, the atmosphere on board became more and more tense. The crew began handing out life jackets and showing passengers how to use them in an emergency. Although the ship has made countless voyages, the risks at sea are always unavoidable.
Please note that in the event of an emergency, please remain calm and act according to our instructions. "The captain stressed to the passengers as he made his rounds around the ship.
Finally, the Gbémani began to slowly leave the dock. As the ship moved away from the port of Kinshasa, passengers gathered on deck to watch the port fade away. The roar of the boats is particularly loud in the tranquility of the Congo River, heralding the beginning of a new journey.
On board, space is limited and people have to stay close together. Most of the passengers were experiencing this kind of voyage for the first time, and there was a mixture of anticipation and uneasiness in their eyes.
As the ship swayed, the luggage and cargo collided from time to time. The crew shuttles around the deck, making sure everything is under control.
These ropes need to be tied a little tighter. "An experienced crew member spoke to the novice and instructed him on how to better secure the cargo. Everyone on board is working for common safety.
When it was time for lunch, the passengers began to bring out the food they had prepared. Some brought out dry bread and canned food, while others shared home-made snacks. Despite the difficult conditions, people try to enjoy a simple lunch in this limited space.
Please be careful not to approach the side of the boat. "The captain reminded. Boats sail on the Congo River, where the rapids are uncommon, but the occasional wave can still feel unsteady.
As night fell, the ship was lit up. Some passengers began to lay sleeping bags on the deck, ready to rest. Due to space constraints, many people have to be crammed together in small spaces.
At night, the Congo River is calm and mysterious, with silver shimmering under the stars. The boat moved slowly in this tranquility, and the passengers drifted off to sleep with a slight sway.
On board the GBÉMANI, every day is a test of patience and perseverance for passengers. The only toilet on board was under extreme pressure as it had to serve more than 1,700 passengers.
This small space is located in the corner of the ship, and there is often a long queue at the door. While waiting to use the toilet, passengers exchanged short words and reminded each other to be safe.
Due to the long waiting time, some passengers began to look for alternatives. They carefully dump household waste at the side of the boat, while also conserving water as much as possible. As a result, the sanitary situation on board is more difficult, especially inside the cabins, where various odors are in the air.
Walking on this ship full of people is indeed a challenge. Narrow aisles and piles of luggage everywhere make every step a matter of care. Passengers try to be courteous to each other to avoid unnecessary conflict or friction.
Two days later, when the Gbémani docked in a small village, more than 200 new passengers boarded. These new passengers, with their luggage and hope, set foot on the already crowded ship.
Their arrival has tightened the space on the ship, and some areas that had previously had some space have become more crowded, and the number of passengers on the ship has reached almost 2,000, which is seriously exceeding the number of people that can carry it.
Please leave these bags over there to make room for the new passengers! "A crew member commanded loudly. Passengers are cooperatively moving their belongings, although doing so means their own living space will shrink even further.
On board the GBÉMANI, Captain Prospere has a great deal of responsibility and is always on the lookout for possible dangers. During the voyage, he paid special attention to the connection between the hull and the barge.
These areas are prone to gaps due to long-term wear and stress. These gaps may widen under the impact of the waves, and if a passenger accidentally approaches, it is very likely to fall into the water.
To prevent this, Prospere ordered warning signs to be erected around these crevices and arranged for crew members to patrol regularly. Whenever a ship docks or changes direction, he personally inspects these critical parts. His rigorous attitude and high focus on safety make the entire vessel more robust.
As the journey progressed, the GBÉMANI encountered its own challenges. From mechanical failures to sudden storms, every crisis requires close collaboration between the captain and crew to overcome.
On several occasions, strong winds caused the hull to rock violently, and passengers were forced to clutch fixations to maintain balance. At these moments, Prospere always calmly commanded, ensuring the safety of the ship and passengers.
On top of that, the threat of pirates is a thorn in the heart of everyone on board. At night, the captain and crew take turns to stand guard in case something happens. While most of the time pirates don't attack such a large cargo ship easily, no one can guarantee that there won't be an accident.
One evening, a small boat suddenly approached the cargo ship. Passengers gathered nervously, unaware of what was about to happen. The crew quickly took out the tools they had with them and prepared for possible situations.
Don't panic, it might just be an ordinary fisherman. "The captain said calmly, and he picked up the binoculars to take a closer look. Sure enough, it was just a group of local fishermen passing by the cargo ship and waving to the passengers. After a period of nervousness, people finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Despite the hardships of the voyage, the GBÉMANI finally reached its destination safely. When the ship docked, the passengers breathed a sigh of relief. Led by the prospere, they left the ship in an orderly manner. The crew also began to unload the cargo and prepare for the next voyage of the ship.
References:
Zhou Lizhi. Research and suggestions on hydropower development in the Congo River Basin[J].Water Resources and Hydropower Express,2021,42(4):8-13