A tragic incident occurred on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday when a boat carrying passengers capsized, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. Authorities confirmed that the vessel was transporting around 90 passengers and five crew members, though ticket sales suggest the number onboard could have been higher.
The Zimbabwe Civil Protection Unit (CPU) reported that 114 adults were registered on the boat, with the possibility of additional children who were not ticketed. The vessel is believed to have been overloaded when it was struck by a strong wave and overturned.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with 77 passengers rescued so far and 15 bodies recovered. Two funeral parlours have been involved in collecting the deceased.
Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made reservoirs globally, lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It plays a critical role in supporting transport, fishing, and hydroelectric power generation for both countries.
Local MP Mutsa Murombedzi shared footage of the boat at the start of its journey and called for transparency regarding the exact number of passengers onboard, highlighting concerns over safety and accountability.
The police have promised to release further details as investigations continue.
