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Zimbabwe’s national disaster management agency reported at least 15 deaths with 27 people missing after the capsizing of an overloaded ferry on Lake Kariba. The agency added that 77 survivors had reached a small island on the lake from where boats were dispatched to bring them ashore as part of a coordinated effort that included helicopters and underwater search teams. State broadcaster ZBC released video showing rescue vessels at the scene of the upturned boat while police coordinated the response across the vast inland waters. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon and prompted a major operation that continued into the following day.[[1]](https://www.wionews.com/world/zimbabwe-lake-kariba-ferry-capsize-15-dead-27-missing-1786494925892)
Police initially stated that the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency ferry had 90 passengers and five crew members aboard for a routine crossing that normally lasts around five hours to Kariba town. Subsequent information reviewed by local outlets showed 114 adult tickets had been sold for a vessel with a stated capacity of just 90 people. The Herald newspaper highlighted the discrepancy as authorities began examining compliance with passenger limits on the route. Such variations in reported numbers have become a focal point in the immediate investigation that followed the capsizing near Long Island.
Accounts shared with SABC News indicated the boat had set off in poor weather and was struck by a large wave that led to it overturning rapidly. Survivors described being thrown into the water before some swam toward the island while others were picked up by the first rescue craft to arrive. The broadcaster reported that initial efforts pulled dozens from the lake although the full count of those rescued only became clear later in agency statements. An underwater team was sent to search for anyone still trapped or submerged as conditions on the lake deteriorated with nightfall.
Lake Kariba ranks among the world’s largest man-made reservoirs according to data maintained by the Zambezi River Authority that manages the shared Zimbabwe-Zambia resource. The lake spans more than 5,500 square kilometres and supplies hydroelectric power to both nations while supporting ferry transport and fishing livelihoods for communities along its shores. Regional safety assessments have repeatedly noted the potential for sudden high winds and waves that can endanger vessels especially during certain seasons. The latest event has drawn renewed attention to these documented hazards on a waterway that serves as a key link for passengers who have few alternative routes.
Member of Parliament Mutsa Murombedzi posted a video on X and called for authorities to release accurate details about the exact number of people who had boarded the ferry. The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency which operated the vessel described the developing situation as serious in statements relayed through local media. Multiple outlets including Arab News and the CBC which carried Associated Press reporting continued to follow the story as casualty figures were updated through the night. Officials indicated that further information on those rescued and recovered would be made public once verified.
The national disaster management agency said search and recovery operations would persist with additional resources allocated on Wednesday given the scale of the lake. Earlier maritime incidents on Lake Kariba have prompted reviews of passenger safety protocols according to records kept by Zimbabwean transport authorities. Updates from outlets such as Al Jazeera and PBS noted that the current rescue remained active with emphasis on locating all who remained unaccounted for after the initial chaos.
