Johannesburg, South Africa — August 16, 2026 – The tragic incident on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba has escalated, with the confirmed death toll now reaching 80 following the capsizing of an overloaded passenger ferry.
The ferry, which was meant to carry 90 people, was overcrowded with over 120 individuals, predominantly local villagers and fish traders.
In a somber atmosphere, hundreds of mourners have gathered at the Kariba district hospital to identify the bodies of their relatives and loved ones. Survivors of the incident recounted their desperate attempts to persuade the crew to turn back as the ferry began taking on water shortly after setting sail.
The vessel, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), capsized in rough waters, sparking widespread grief and anger among the local community.
The overloaded state of the ferry and the adequacy of safety protocols have become focal points of public concern. Survivors described the ferry’s overcrowded and unsafe conditions, leading to the disaster.
The incident has raised serious questions about the safety standards and maintenance of the ferry service, especially given the unpredictable weather and rough waters of Lake Kariba.
The lake, renowned as the world’s largest man-made lake by volume, has experienced several accidents in the past, and this tragedy has once again highlighted the need for robust safety measures and regular inspections of the ferry fleet.
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, families and loved ones of the victims are left to cope with the loss.
The incident has also spurred a broader discussion on the state of public transportation in the region, focusing on the safety and reliability of ferry services on Lake Kariba.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Siya Tsewu
