44 lives lost after ferry capsizes on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba

Harare, Zimbabwe - At least 44 individuals perished when an overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba, according to police reports released on Wednesday, a day after the tragic incident. The vessel, operated by the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and known as RIDA, was transporting 114 adult passengers, five crew members, and an unspecified number of children when it overturned due to rough weather on Tuesday. Initially, 77 people were rescued and 15 bodies were recovered by rescue teams.

Witness Maxton Kanhema recounted that the boat departed in poor weather and may have been struck by a wave, causing its engines to cease functioning. Kanhema, who was aboard a smaller rescue boat, described seeing distress signals and witnessing people in the water as rescue vessels arrived. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the updated death toll of 44, noting it as one of the most severe passenger boat disasters on the lake, which is the world's largest man-made lake by volume and situated on the border with Zambia, approximately 185 miles northeast of Harare.

The CPU engaged two funeral parlours to assist in collecting the deceased, while search operations continued for any missing individuals. A national park provided a helicopter, alongside larger rescue boats, divers, and the army to aid in the rescue efforts. Specialists in aquatic rescue were airlifted to the area to assist in the ongoing search. The 77 survivors were transported to Long Island, located in the middle of Lake Kariba.