Zimbabwe ferry capsizes with 95 people on board

A ferry carrying 95 passengers capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, resulting in multiple potential fatalities, according to police and eyewitness accounts. The vessel, a common means of transportation between the northern town of Kariba and surrounding islands and fishing camps, overturned after colliding with robust waves.

Lake Kariba, situated on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is the largest man-made lake in the world by volume, extending over 300 kilometers (185 miles) northeast of the country's capital, Harare.

One eyewitness, Maxton Kanhema, reported that the ferry departed as usual in adverse weather conditions, and a wave may have struck the boat, causing its engines to cease functioning. Kanhema noted that a distress signal was raised, and nearby boats swiftly responded, deploying a helicopter from Matusado National Park, along with larger boats, divers from the local community, and military personnel to aid in the rescue operation.

Despite the assistance, delayed responses due to adverse weather conditions and the challenging access to the capsized boat led to unfortunate losses of life.

Approximately 60 individuals were reportedly rescued, with efforts underway to identify the bodies of those who perished. Police have stated that additional details will be disclosed "in due course".