At least 15 die as boat sinks in Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba

Fifteen individuals lost their lives after a boat capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, according to officials. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the vessel, carrying 90 passengers and five crew members, overturned due to a strong wave. Police have stated that the boat may have been overloaded, with some reports suggesting a higher passenger count based on registered ticket sales.

Lake Kariba, shared with Zambia, is one of the world's largest man-made reservoirs. It supports transport, fishing, and hydroelectric power for both nations. The Zimbabwe Civil Protection Unit (CPU) reported that 114 adults were on the vessel, according to registered ticket sales. There could also have been an unknown number of children below the ticketing age.

So far, 77 passengers have been rescued, and 15 bodies have been retrieved. Two funeral parlours are collecting the deceased, the CPU added. Local Member of Parliament Mutsa Murombedzi shared a video of what she claimed was the boat before the accident, stating that residents used it to travel across the lake to Kariba town, a journey that takes about five hours.

Murombedzi questioned the accuracy of the reported numbers and urged officials to provide correct information. Police stated that further details would be released "in due course."