Home / Disasters and Accidents / Lake Kariba Ferry Tragedy: 68 Dead, Search Continues
Lake Kariba Ferry Tragedy: 68 Dead, Search Continues
15 Aug
Summary
- 68 people died when a ferry overturned in Lake Kariba.
- The government ferry was overloaded, carrying 114 adults and crew.
- Cold weather is slowing the recovery of bodies from the lake.
Authorities have recovered 22 bodies from Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, bringing the total death toll to 68 following the capsizing of an overloaded government ferry. The disaster occurred on Tuesday when the vessel, authorized to carry 90 people, was packed with 114 adults and its crew, capsizing in rough waters.
As of Saturday, 77 people had been rescued, but the search for the remaining victims continues. Rescue operations are being slowed by cold winter weather, which prevents bodies from surfacing quickly. The incident is believed to be the country's deadliest ferry disaster, with many passengers being villagers and fish traders from the lake's vicinity.
