44 Killed As Ferry Sinks On Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba

At least 44 people have died after a ferry sank on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, with rescue teams continuing efforts to find survivors.

According to the BBC, the ferry sank on Tuesday after a strong wave struck the vessel, causing it to overturn. The boat was reportedly designed to carry 90 passengers and five crew members, although a lake official said about 120 people, including 12 children, were onboard.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster as search and rescue operations intensify, with 77 people so far rescued from the water.

Lake Kariba, which lies along the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, is one of the world’s largest man-made reservoirs and is an important route for transport and fishing, while also supplying hydroelectric power to both countries.

Local lawmaker Mutsa Murombedzi shared a video on X showing what she said was the ferry at the beginning of its journey, adding that residents were travelling across the lake to Kariba town, a journey of about five hours.

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

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The Zimbabwe Civil Protection Unit said its ticket records showed that 114 adults had purchased tickets for the journey. It added that an unknown number of children below the ticketing age may also have been onboard.

Police said 44 bodies had been recovered from the lake, an increase from the initial figure of 15.

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe said Mnangagwa declared the disaster to ensure “all necessary resources are mobilised” for the rescue operation.

The resources deployed include an army boat squadron, a police sub-aqua unit and a privately owned helicopter.

“The government extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident,” Garwe added in a statement.