Death toll in Zimbabwe ferry capsizing rises to 72: police
Tragedy on Lake Kariba: Death Toll in Zimbabwe Ferry Capsizing Reaches 72
Bharatmorningnews.com – Authorities in Zimbabwe have confirmed that the death toll in Zimbabwe ferry disaster has risen to 72 passengers and crew members following the capsizing of a passenger vessel on Lake Kariba. Police officials announced Saturday evening that 25 bodies have been recovered from the lake’s depths, with search operations continuing to locate remaining victims trapped beneath the water’s surface.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) ferry met its fate during rough weather conditions on Tuesday, creating one of the most significant maritime tragedies in recent Zimbabwean history. The incident occurred on the expansive Lake Kariba, which serves as a natural boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia, drawing thousands of local residents and visitors to the region.
Recovery Operations Continue
“The Kariba RIDA boat accident death toll in Zimbabwe ferry is now 72 after the recovery of 3 more bodies late on the 15th of August 2026,” police stated in their comprehensive evening announcement. This latest update brings the total from the previous count of 68 casualties, which had been reported following the recovery of 22 additional bodies earlier on Saturday.
Identification procedures for the recovered remains are currently being conducted at local facilities. While specific details about the newest victims were not immediately provided, officials confirmed that the majority of those aboard were local residents and fish merchants who regularly travel across the lake for commerce and daily activities.
Vessel Was Overloaded
According to transportation officials, the vessel held official authorization for 90 passengers but carried 114 adults alongside five crew members and an unknown number of children at the time of the disaster. This significant overcrowding may have contributed to the severity of the tragedy when the ferry began taking on water.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Muchechesi, who commands the boat regiment leading the search operation, shared detailed updates with local media outlets. “So far today we have managed to take 22 bodies,” he explained. “We are confident that we will manage to retrieve all the bodies,” he added, noting that cold winter conditions have slowed the process of bodies surfacing to the surface.
Survivors Share Their Stories
Chance Siyamavhu, a 45-year-old survivor, recounted his harrowing experience at a public memorial service held in Kariba town. “Thank God that a wave pushed the sinking vessel and we managed to climb on top,” he told reporters, describing how the sudden movement helped passengers escape the rapidly filling boat.
The survivor described how passengers scrambled for life jackets upon capsizing, though many lacked knowledge of proper usage. “When the boat capsized, most of the people scrambled to get the life jackets but most of them did not even know how to use them,” Siyamavhu said. “Most people could not make it.”
He also revealed that he and seven relatives perished in the tragedy, along with his closest friend. Other survivors mentioned urging the captain to reverse course once the ferry began filling with water shortly after departure, but it was too late to prevent the disaster.
Community Mourns Together
Hundreds of mourners assembled at the district hospital in Kariba on Saturday to identify their deceased family members, according to Zimpapers media coverage that featured footage of lengthy queues stretching through the facility. An emotional memorial ceremony took place in Kariba on Thursday, nearly 280 kilometers northwest of Harare, preceding the burial ceremonies for the victims.
Lake Kariba, which spans the international boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia, holds the distinction of being the largest man-made lake globally by volume. The tragedy has prompted calls for improved safety regulations for ferry operations on the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the Zimbabwe ferry capsizing occur? A: The ferry capsized on Tuesday during rough weather conditions on Lake Kariba, with the death toll in Zimbabwe ferry disaster continuing to rise as recovery operations proceed.
Q: How many passengers were on board the ferry? A: The vessel carried 114 adults, five crew members, and an unknown number of children, exceeding its authorized capacity of 90 passengers.
Q: What is the current status of recovery operations? A: Authorities have recovered 25 bodies so far, with the death toll in Zimbabwe ferry reaching 72. Search teams continue working to locate remaining victims in the lake.
Q: Where is Lake Kariba located? A: Lake Kariba spans the international boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia, situated approximately 280 kilometers northwest of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city.