Zimbabwe ferry capsizes with 95 people on board

On Tuesday, a ferry transporting 95 people capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, leaving multiple individuals feared dead, according to police and eyewitnesses. The vessel, which connects the northern town of Kariba with surrounding islands and fishing camps, overturned after colliding with powerful waves. Lake Kariba forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, situated over 300 kilometers northeast of Harare, the capital.

A witness informed the news agency AFP that the ferry departed as scheduled in adverse weather conditions. A wave reportedly struck the boat, causing its engines to stall. Maxton Kanhema, an eyewitness, recounted that as the boat navigated the waters, distress signals were raised, prompting nearby boats to respond. The Matusado National Park provided a helicopter, along with larger boats and divers from the local area and the army, to aid in the rescue mission.

Kanhema further explained that numerous individuals were in distress, with bodies floating in the water, creating a somber scene. Those who could be saved were retrieved; however, due to the adverse weather, the responses were delayed, resulting in some fatalities. He stated that approximately 60 people were rescued, and the remains of the deceased would be transported to Kariba for identification. Police noted that further details would be disclosed at a later time.