At least 15 dead after overcrowded ferry capsizes on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe

An overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 27 people reported missing, according to the police. The vessel, with a capacity of 90 passengers, was carrying 114 adult passengers, five crew members, and an unspecified number of children. The incident occurred after the ferry hit large waves on Tuesday, causing it to overturn near the lakeshore town of Kariba, en route to islands and fishing camps.

A specialized underwater team was deployed to assist in the search and rescue operation, which continues on Wednesday. Initially, the death toll was reported at 15 by the civil protection unit, but it was later updated to 44. Video footage from the scene showed people on the overturned ferry, while rescue boats and a helicopter aided the survivors.

Lake Kariba, the world's largest human-made lake by volume, was created in the 1950s during British colonial rule and supplies electricity to both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Although boat overturns are not uncommon on the lake, this incident resulted in a higher death toll than previous similar events.