Ferry capsizes in Zimbabwe, leaving 44 dead

At least 44 people, including children, died on Tuesday afternoon after a ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe after being hit by strong waves.

The police confirmed the incident and said a total of 67 people were rescued and taken to a government school in Kariba for medical attention and further management.

Lake Kariba borders Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The ferry known as Mbuya Nehanda is owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, a state-run entity, and had five crew members on board.

Three crew members, including the captain, died.

Zimbabwe Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe also confirmed the fatal incident, adding that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had declared a state of disaster to ensure all necessary resources were mobilized.

Lake Kariba, a popular international tourist destination and fishing hub, is known both in Zimbabwe and Zambia for its strong winds and waves, which the locals have named “Binga Waves”.

Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake by volume, and it stretches for about 240 kilometers. Its Kariba Dam supplies hydroelectricity to both Zambia and Zimbabwe.