Death toll in Zimbabwe ferry capsizing rises to 72: police
This heart-wrenching maritime tragedy in Zimbabwe highlights the risks of overcrowded vessels as the country mourns the loss of 72 lives. The ongoing search is a desperate attempt to provide closure for grieving families.
Harare, Zimbabwe - The death toll from a ferry capsizing incident on Lake Kariba has risen to 72, police announced on Saturday. This follows the recovery of three additional bodies, bringing the total to 72 since the accident occurred on Tuesday. The overloaded passenger ferry operated by the government's Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) overturned in choppy waters, marking a rare disaster on the expansive lake shared with Zambia.
Authorities believe this to be Zimbabwe's deadliest such incident. The boat was licensed to transport 90 people but was carrying 114 adults, five crew members, and an unspecified number of children, many of whom were villagers and fish traders. Rescue efforts continue, with 77 survivors identified so far. An emotional memorial service was held in Kariba, a town nearly 280km northwest of Harare, before the burials began.
Survivors recounted their harrowing experiences, expressing frustration that not everyone managed to escape the sinking vessel.
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