Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Ferry Capsizes: At Least 15 Dead, 27 Missing
At least 15 people have died and 27 remain missing after an overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, according to the country's Civil Protection Unit (CPU) on Wednesday. The boat, which was carrying more passengers than its stated capacity, overturned on Tuesday after being hit by strong waves.
The vessel was providing transport between the northern town of Kariba and several islands and fishing camps on the lake, which lies on Zimbabwe's border with Zambia. Officials said it was carrying 114 adult passengers, five crew members and some children, despite a capacity of 90 people.
In a statement, the CPU said 77 passengers had been rescued by Matusadonha rescue teams and others. “So far, 77 passengers have been rescued, 15 bodies have also been retrieved,” the statement noted, adding that two funeral parlours had been engaged to collect and process the bodies. The search for the remaining 27 people was continuing.
A specialised aquatic rescue unit has been airlifted to the area to assist in the search, the CPU added. Authorities have not yet indicated what caused the strong waves or whether weather warnings were issued, but the incident highlights the risks of overcrowding and inadequate safety measures on inland waterways.
Lake Kariba is the world's largest man-made lake by volume, stretching over 5,500 square kilometres. It is a vital resource for fishing, transport and tourism for both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Many communities rely on boats to move people and goods between isolated islands and mainland towns, often using vessels that are poorly maintained or overloaded.
This tragedy comes amid broader concerns about maritime safety in southern Africa, where accidents on lakes and rivers are not uncommon due to lax enforcement of capacity limits and a shortage of life jackets. In 2023, at least 30 people died when a boat sank on Lake Malawi, and similar incidents have been reported on the Congo River.
The Zimbabwean government has yet to release an official statement beyond the CPU's updates. Families of the missing are gathering at harbours, awaiting news as rescue teams continue their search. Officials have promised a full investigation into the capsizing, including whether the vessel was licensed to carry passengers and why it was allowed to exceed its capacity.
The disaster has drawn messages of condolence from regional leaders and international organisations, who have urged Zimbabwe to strengthen maritime safety regulations and ensure that such overcrowded journeys are prevented in the future. The CPU has advised boat operators to check weather forecasts and adhere to safety guidelines, but local residents say enforcement remains weak.
Our thoughts are with the victims, the missing, and their families. This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
