At least 15 people have died and 27 others are missing after an overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as the vessel was travelling from the lakeside town of Kariba towards nearby islands and fishing camps. Authorities said the ferry ran into trouble after encountering large waves and began taking on water during the journey.
The scale of the tragedy has raised concerns over the number of people aboard the vessel. According to Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit, ticket records indicated that 114 adult passengers and five crew members were on board. The actual number may have been higher because children, who may not have required tickets, were also believed to be travelling on the ferry.
A crew member told Zimbabwe’s national broadcaster that as many as 153 people may have been aboard when the vessel overturned.
The ferry had reportedly been designed to carry approximately 90 passengers, meaning it was significantly overloaded at the time of the accident.
Rescue teams were quickly deployed following the accident. Authorities said 77 people were rescued and managed to reach a small island on Lake Kariba, while boats were being sent to transport survivors to safety.
Video footage from the scene showed several people apparently stranded on the overturned vessel as speedboats moved towards them. A helicopter was also involved in the emergency response.
A specialised underwater search-and-rescue team was subsequently brought into the area as authorities continued searching for those still missing. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as the operation continues.
The circumstances surrounding the ferry’s condition and the decision to allow it to travel with such a large number of passengers are expected to come under scrutiny.
Local lawmaker Mutsa Murombedzi raised concerns about the condition of the ageing vessel, saying questions had previously been raised about its ability to withstand difficult conditions on the lake. The incident has therefore renewed calls for stronger enforcement of passenger limits and safety regulations for vessels operating on Lake Kariba.
Lake Kariba is one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs by volume and lies along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The lake is an important source of transportation, fishing and tourism for communities in the surrounding region, while the Kariba Dam also plays a major role in electricity generation for both countries.
The latest disaster adds to a history of fatal boating accidents on the lake, where changing weather conditions and large waves can create dangerous conditions for vessels.
As rescue operations continue, families are awaiting news about relatives who remain unaccounted for. Zimbabwean authorities are expected to provide further updates as rescuers recover additional survivors and establish the final number of passengers who were aboard the ferry.
The incident has also prompted renewed questions about maritime safety, vessel capacity and emergency preparedness on one of southern Africa’s most important inland waterways.
Source: Thepressradio.com
