Zimbabwe ferry disaster death toll rises to 44 on Lake Kariba

Wednesday 12 - 18:16

By: Azzat Manal

Zimbabwe ferry disaster death toll rises to 44 on Lake Kariba

The death toll from the capsizing of an overcrowded ferry on Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe has risen to 44, according to local authorities, while search and rescue teams continue working to establish the full number of victims and missing passengers.

The vessel was reportedly designed to carry no more than 90 passengers but was carrying at least 114 adults and five crew members when the accident occurred. Authorities have also raised concerns that children may have been on board without being included in the ticket records, making it difficult to determine the exact number of people involved.

Rescue teams have so far managed to save 77 people and take them to a nearby island. Specialized divers and emergency personnel remain involved in the search for those who are still missing.

The ferry, operated by a government agency, provided an important transport link for residents of rural communities traveling toward the town of Kariba. It overturned in difficult water conditions, with local residents reportedly saying they had previously raised concerns about the vessel's condition and its ability to operate safely in strong waves.

Lake Kariba lies along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is one of the world's largest artificial lakes by volume. Created following the construction of the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River in the mid-20th century, the lake plays an important role in electricity generation and supports communities and economic activities on both sides of the border.

The accident has renewed concerns about passenger safety, vessel maintenance and compliance with capacity limits on inland waterways. Overcrowding can significantly increase the risks associated with ferry travel, particularly when weather and water conditions deteriorate.

With the number of passengers still uncertain and search operations continuing, officials have warned that the death toll could rise. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, including the vessel's condition, passenger capacity and the conditions prevailing on the lake at the time of the accident.

The disaster has also highlighted the importance of effective safety controls for ferry operators serving communities that rely heavily on inland water transport.