Death toll from Zimbabwe ferry disaster rises to 44

A boat carrying 95 people tragically sank on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, with rescue operations currently underway. According to police, 90 passengers and five crew members were on board when the vessel capsized on Tuesday. However, conflicting reports suggest the boat may have been overloaded, as other sources indicate a higher number based on registered ticket sales.

The incident occurred as the boat, which had set sail in poor weather conditions, may have encountered a wave and overturned. Lake Kariba, situated on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the world's largest artificial reservoirs, supporting transportation, fishing, and providing crucial hydroelectric power to both nations.

Zimbabwe's Civil Protection Unit reported that registered ticket sales showed 114 adults were on board the vessel, with the possibility of an unknown number of children below the ticketing age. Local Member of Parliament Mutsa Murombedzi shared a video on X showing the boat at the beginning of its journey, emphasizing that locals frequently used it to cross the lake to Kariba town, a trip lasting approximately five hours.

Murombedzi called for more transparency, stating that officials must release accurate information regarding the number of people onboard.

Authorities have acknowledged that the true count of fatalities and survivors will be disclosed in due course. Meanwhile, families mourn the loss of loved ones, while Zimbabweans reflect on the incident and the need for transparency from authorities.