At least 44 die as ferry sinks in Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba

Tragedy on Lake Kariba: Ferry Capsizes, Claiming 44 Lives

Ninoda.com – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared a state of disaster following a devastating maritime accident on Lake Kariba. The incident occurred on Tuesday when a passenger ferry capsized in the waters straddling Zimbabwe’s border with Zambia. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway, with 77 individuals already pulled from the lake.

Overcrowded Vessel Overturned by Strong Wave

According to police reports, the vessel was designed to accommodate 90 passengers alongside five crew members. However, a lake official indicated that approximately 120 souls were aboard at the time of the sinking, including 12 children. The ferry reportedly encountered a powerful wave that caused it to flip over completely.

Video footage circulating on social media appears to capture the overturned hull resting on the water’s surface. The Zimbabwe Civil Protection Unit noted that registered ticket sales accounted for 114 adult passengers, though an unspecified number of younger children who did not require tickets may also have been present.

Eyewitness Accounts and Official Response

Maxton Kanhema, an eyewitness who spoke with AFP news agency, described the challenging conditions leading up to the disaster. He explained that the boat had been navigating through poor weather when a wave likely struck the vessel, causing the engines to fail.

“People were in distress… there were bodies in the water and it was a sad situation to witness. Those that could be rescued were rescued,” Kanhema stated.

Local member of parliament Mutsa Murombedzi shared a video on X showing the vessel at the beginning of its journey. She noted that residents were traveling to Kariba town, located roughly five hours away by boat. Murombedzi emphasized the need for transparency regarding passenger numbers.

“We have very hard questions that require honest answers. The officials must release the correct number of people who were onboard,” she wrote on social media.

Expanded Rescue Operations

Police confirmed that 44 bodies have now been recovered from the lake, a significant increase from the initial count of 15. Local government minister Daniel Garwe explained that the disaster declaration ensures all necessary resources are mobilized for the ongoing operations.

The response effort includes an army boat squadron, a police sub-aqua unit, and a privately owned helicopter. Garwe issued a statement expressing the government’s deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic event.

Lake Kariba stands as one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs. It plays a crucial role in transportation and fishing while supplying essential hydroelectric power to both Zimbabwe and Zambia.