Lake Kariba Boat Disaster Claims 44 Lives as Search for Missing Passengers Continues

By Desmond Nleya

The death toll from the Lake Kariba boat disaster has risen to 44, making it the deadliest maritime accident recorded in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the increase in casualties on Wednesday after rescue teams recovered additional bodies from the lake.

Earlier, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi had reported that 13 bodies had been recovered. The figure was later revised upwards as rescue operations continued.

## Disaster surpasses previous tragedy

The latest accident has surpassed Zimbabwe’s previous deadliest maritime disaster, the 1996 Lake Chivero boat tragedy, in which 22 Moleli High School pupils lost their lives.

The Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which was involved in the Lake Kariba accident, operates under the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), which took over from the former District Development Fund (DDF).

The ferry has provided an important transport link for communities living around Lake Kariba, particularly residents travelling between Kariba-Nyaminyami and Kariba Urban.

Mashonaland West MP Mutsa Murombedzi said the ferry plays a critical role in connecting communities, with some journeys reportedly taking as long as five hours.

Survivors question ferry safety

The disaster has raised fresh concerns over the safety of government-operated ferry services and the condition of vessels operating on Lake Kariba.

The Government previously said reduced ferry fares had helped ease the financial burden on residents in remote parts of Nyaminyami District who rely on the service.

However, the latest tragedy has shifted the focus towards passenger safety, vessel maintenance and emergency procedures.

One survivor reportedly claimed that the ferry began tilting heavily to one side before it sank. According to the survivor, passengers noticed the dangerous listing and raised concerns, but the captain allegedly failed to respond to their warnings.

Rescue teams remain engaged in efforts to locate and recover any remaining victims as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the disaster.