Zimbabwe Ferry Disaster on Lake Kariba Leaves 15 Dead, Dozens Missing

A tragic accident on Lake Kariba has claimed

A tragic accident on Lake Kariba has claimed the lives of at least 15 people, with 27 others still unaccounted for after a ferry capsized on Thursday afternoon. The vessel, reportedly carrying more passengers than it was designed for, went down near the lake's eastern shores, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.

According to local authorities, the ferry was en route from a small fishing village to a larger settlement when it encountered rough waters and began taking on water. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the overcrowded boat tilted and sank within minutes, throwing dozens of passengers into the lake.

Emergency teams, including divers and marine police, have been scouring the area since the incident, but their efforts have been hampered by poor visibility and strong currents. So far, rescue workers have recovered 15 bodies, while the search continues for the 27 missing, many of whom are feared dead.

The exact number of people on board remains

The exact number of people on board remains unclear, but survivors have indicated that the ferry was carrying far more than its capacity of 60 passengers. Investigators are looking into whether the vessel was properly maintained and whether safety regulations were ignored, as overloaded ferries are a recurring problem on this vast inland waterway.

Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, stretches across the Zimbabwe-Zambia border and is a vital transport route for isolated communities. However, accidents are not uncommon here, often due to aging boats, lack of life jackets, and a disregard for passenger limits.

Local officials have promised a full inquiry into the tragedy, while the government has sent additional rescue teams and counseling support to the affected families. As the search enters its second day, hopes of finding more survivors are fading, and the community braces for a grim toll.