People gather at Goma shore, where rescue work is underway following the sinking of the boat in Lake Kivu. (Photo: Reuters)

Governor of South Kivu province Jean Jacques Purisi said it will take at least three days to get the exact numbers, because not all the bodies have been found.

Witnesses said the overloaded boat with 278 people in board, which was traveling from the town of Minova in South Kivu province, sank on Thursday morning, 700 meters from its destination at the Goma shore.