Lake Kariba ferry tragedy: Death toll rises to 93, now Zimbabwe's worst transport disaster

The death toll from the ferry disaster on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba has risen to 93, making it the country's deadliest transport accident, according to the state-run Herald newspaper. The vessel, which had a listed capacity of 90 passengers, was reportedly carrying at least 168 people when it overturned after being struck by a strong wave a week ago.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster following the accident. Search and recovery efforts are continuing, with divers working to locate bodies in the vast lake, which straddles the border with Zambia. The lake is one of the world's largest man-made reservoirs, supporting transport, fishing, and providing hydroelectric power to both countries.

The death toll has climbed steadily from 44 at the time of the accident to 84 over the weekend, according to police. A police statement on Tuesday confirmed that nine more bodies had been found, bringing the total to 93. The Herald reports that bodies are now being recovered further away from the scene of the sinking, with some drifting towards Zambia. Police said 83 of the victims had been identified so far, including 39 children.

Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo said 67 people had been rescued after the sinking. However, she acknowledged that identifying some of the recovered bodies has been difficult, with relatives relying on clothing and other personal items. "We are running out of time and DNA may now be needed to assist in the identification process," Chombo was quoted as saying by the Herald.

The ferry is a vital and cheap transport link for rural communities, often carrying parents taking their children home for school holidays and traders. One survivor, Itayi Marumisa, a trader from Mola village, told the AFP news agency that the ferry had been particularly overloaded at the time with goods, and passengers had raised concerns about the rough conditions. "The life jackets were buried under the luggage, and not more than 30 people managed to get them," she said. "Children were screaming and most of the passengers were vomiting, but the captain did not seem to care."

Local councillor Tight Bhusumani, who represents Mola and lost a child in the accident, described the difficult time for his community. "We have distressing cases where a child lost both parents and other siblings, leaving them as the only surviving member of the family," he told the Herald. Other families are still awaiting news of those believed to have been on the ferry.

The disaster has raised questions about safety standards on Lake Kariba's passenger ferries, which are often old and poorly maintained. There have been previous accidents on the lake, but none as deadly as this one. As search and recovery efforts continue, authorities face the challenge of identifying victims and supporting the bereaved communities. The full scale of the tragedy is still unfolding, and the country is in mourning for the lives lost.