44 lives lost after ferry capsizes on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba
HAHARE: At least 44 people drowned after an overcrowded ferry capsized on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba, police said Wednesday, releasing an updated toll a day after the disaster.
A ferry carrying 114 passengers capsized on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 44 lives, according to police reports released on Wednesday. The vessel, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), was en route between the northern town of Kariba and surrounding islands when it sank during rough weather conditions on Tuesday.
Initially, 77 people were rescued, and 15 bodies were recovered by civil protection authorities. However, the death toll was later updated to 44. Two funeral homes were called in to collect the bodies, and the search for any remaining missing individuals continued. Witnesses reported seeing bodies in the water and a distress signal before rescue boats arrived.
A national park provided a helicopter and divers, while the army and specialized aquatic rescue units assisted in the search and recovery efforts.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
