An overloaded ferry on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe tragically capsized on Tuesday, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives, while 27 individuals remain missing, as reported by the national disaster management agency. The agency stated that 77 people were rescued and transported to an island within the lake.
According to Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit, ticket sales only confirmed the presence of 114 adult passengers on board, raising concerns about potential unaccounted-for children below ticketing age. Additionally, the ferry carried five crew members, exceeding its designated capacity of 90 individuals.
Mutsa Murombedzi, a local Parliament member, shared a video showing individuals on the shore signaling to the aging ferry as it embarked on its journey. The ferry served as a vital mode of transportation for rural communities traveling from Kariba to the town of Kariba along the lake. Concerns were raised about the ferry’s ability to withstand strong waves on the lake.
Earlier, Zimbabwean authorities initiated a rescue mission, with limited details provided. The state broadcaster, ZBC, released footage of speedboats approaching an overturned vessel on the lake, accompanied by a hovering helicopter.
Lake Kariba, situated on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia in southern Africa, stands as the largest man-made lake globally by volume. Originating from the damming of the Zambezi River in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the lake spans over 200 kilometers in length and up to 40 kilometers in width at certain points. The lake is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the official border dividing the two nations down the middle of the lake.