At least 15 people were killed and 27 others are missing after a ferry carrying 119 passengers capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. The vessel, which was intended to transport only 90 people, overturned on Tuesday due to strong waves. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 77 passengers already rescued by Matusadonha rescue teams. The ferry provided transport between the town of Kariba and nearby islands and fishing camps.
According to the Zimbabwe civil protection unit, the ferry was severely overcrowded, exceeding its capacity by more than double. The boat was operating on Lake Kariba, the world's largest man-made lake by volume, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
A specialized aquatic rescue unit has been deployed to assist with the search and recovery efforts. The CPU has confirmed that 15 bodies have been retrieved, and funeral parlors have been engaged to handle the deceased. The incident has raised concerns about safety regulations and the enforcement of passenger limits on ferries operating on the lake.
Lake Kariba, a significant source of hydroelectric power and a major tourist attraction, stretches over 300 kilometers northeast of Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. The tragic incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the capsizing.
The search for the missing continues as rescue teams work through challenging conditions. Authorities are focusing on identifying the missing passengers and ensuring that the families of the victims receive necessary support and information.
