A ferry accident on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe has resulted in 93 confirmed deaths, establishing it as the deadliest transport disaster in the country’s history. The vessel, which had an official capacity of 90 passengers, was carrying an estimated 168 people when it was struck by a strong wave and capsized a week ago. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster in response to the incident.
The death toll has risen significantly since the initial incident. Police reported 44 deaths immediately following the accident, which increased to 84 by the weekend. Subsequent recovery operations by divers led to the discovery of nine additional bodies, bringing the total to 93 as of the latest police statement. Authorities note that some bodies have drifted toward Zambia, complicating recovery efforts. Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo indicated that identifying recovered victims has proven challenging, with families relying on personal items and clothing for recognition. Officials indicated that DNA analysis may be necessary to assist in identification efforts, with 83 victims identified to date, including 39 children.
The ferry operates on Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made reservoirs located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It serves as a vital and affordable transportation link for rural communities, hydroelectric power generation, and fishing industries for both nations. According to reports, the ferry was transporting parents and children traveling home for school holidays, as well as traders and commercial goods.
Accounts from survivors indicate the vessel was significantly overloaded with cargo at the time of the incident. One survivor reported that life jackets were stored beneath luggage, with fewer than 30 people able to access them. She described rough conditions and passenger distress during the event. A local representative from the affected community reported severe impacts on families, including cases where children lost multiple family members. Authorities report that 67 people were rescued from the incident, though many families remain awaiting confirmation of relatives believed to have been aboard.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI