A passenger ferry disaster on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe has claimed at least 84 lives, according to authorities. Police officials announced the grim update on Sunday after recovering four additional bodies, with rescue operations continuing in the area near the Zambian border.
The vessel capsized on Tuesday amid severe wind conditions while transporting passengers from the northern town of Kariba to communities in the country’s northwest. Officials believe the ferry was significantly overcrowded, potentially carrying as many as 153 people despite having a stated capacity of just 90 passengers. The incident is considered Zimbabwe’s deadliest maritime accident on record.
Among the casualties are at least 18 children. Distressing scenes have emerged showing crowds of people gathering at local hospitals to identify deceased relatives. President Emmerson Mnangagwa characterized the tragedy as a stark indicator of systemic safety problems requiring immediate intervention.
Water travel remains a critical transportation method throughout northern Zimbabwe due to inadequate infrastructure, including scarce public transport options and deteriorated road conditions. The reliance on ferries underscores the vulnerability of communities with limited alternative means of transport.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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