Dozens of people are feared dead after a boat carrying 95 passengers and crew capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday. Rescue operations are currently underway.
Authorities stated that 90 passengers and five crew members were aboard the vessel when it overturned. However, conflicting reports suggest the boat may have been overloaded, with registered ticket sales indicating a higher number of individuals. The Zimbabwe's Civil Protection Unit cited registered ticket sales showing 114 adults were on board, in addition to an unknown number of children below ticketing age.
Witnesses reported that the vessel departed in inclement weather and may have been struck by a large wave, causing it to capsize. Lake Kariba, a vast man-made reservoir that straddles the border with Zambia, is a crucial waterway for transportation, fishing, and hydroelectric power generation for both nations.
A local member of parliament, Mutsa Murombedzi, shared a video on X of the boat at the beginning of its journey. She stated that residents frequently use the boat for travel to Kariba town, a trip that typically takes about five hours. Murombedzi has called for officials to release the exact number of people who were on the vessel, emphasizing the need for transparent answers.
The police have indicated that further details regarding the number of fatalities and survivors will be released in due course.