Zimbabwe Ferry Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 72 on Lake Kariba After Overloaded Vessel Capsizes

The death toll from a catastrophic ferry capsizing on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba has reached 72, including at least 18 children, following the recovery of additional bodies by local authorities. The vessel, which was significantly overloaded, sank amidst rough waters and strong waves, marking one of the deadliest maritime incidents in the country’s history. Police confirmed that 26 more bodies were retrieved in the latest search operations, bringing the confirmed fatalities to 72, as families and the nation grapple with the scale of the loss.

Preliminary investigations indicate that gross negligence played a central role in the disaster. The ferry, managed by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), was reportedly carrying approximately 153 passengers at the time of the incident, despite having a certified maximum capacity of only 90 people. Witnesses and survivors recounted harrowing moments shortly after departure, reporting that passengers had pleaded with the crew to return to shore as the vessel began taking on water. However, the boat continued into the rough conditions, eventually succumbing to the waves and capsizing.

Amidst the grief, there were reports of survival, with 77 people rescued from the lake. Many of those who survived are being treated for trauma and physical injuries, while others have been assisting in the identification of victims at a local hospital. An emotional memorial service was recently held near the site of the disaster, allowing grieving relatives to pay their respects even as search and recovery teams continue their grim task of scanning the waters for any remaining missing persons.

This disaster has prompted urgent calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations in Zimbabwe, particularly regarding the monitoring of passenger limits and vessel maintenance for state-operated transport. As the government investigates the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency's oversight of the ferry, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with overloaded water transport in the region. The search for more victims remains active, while the nation mourns the loss of dozens of lives in the treacherous waters of Lake Kariba.