HARARE — A ferry carrying 90 passengers and five crew members capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The incident occurred as the vessel, named the Mbuya Nehanda, was making its way from the lakeside town of Kariba to Chalala, a journey that typically takes around five hours.
Police confirmed that rescue operations are in progress but urged the public not to speculate on the number of casualties. In a statement, the force said: "The ZRP assures Zimbabweans and relatives of the Kariba boat accident victims that official information on the rescued victims, those injured or dead, will be released in due course after the scene management process is complete."
Local lifeline
The ferry is a vital link for residents of the region's rural areas, connecting them to Kariba, a town on the lake's northern shore near the Zambian border. Many locals rely on such vessels for access to markets, healthcare, and other services, making the disaster particularly devastating for the community.
Mutsa Murombedzi, a Zimbabwean member of parliament, said the boat was "hit by strong winds" during the crossing. She also shared video footage on X, formerly Twitter, showing what she described as the Mbuya Nehanda departing earlier in the day.
The exact circumstances of the capsizing remain unclear, and authorities have not yet confirmed how many people have been rescued or recovered. The lake, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world, is known for its unpredictable weather, and accidents on its waters have occurred in the past.
This tragedy echoes other maritime disasters in the region, such as the recent ferry fire in Indonesia that left dozens missing, highlighting the persistent safety challenges facing passenger vessels in developing countries.
As rescue teams continue their search, the focus remains on finding survivors and providing support to the families affected. The Zimbabwean government has yet to issue a formal statement, but local authorities are coordinating with police and emergency services.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety standards of passenger boats on Lake Kariba, with some calling for stricter regulations and better enforcement. The lake, which straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a popular destination for tourists and a crucial transport route for locals.
For now, the priority is the rescue operation. The police have promised to release official information once the scene management process is complete, urging patience among those anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
