Ferry capsizes on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe leaving at least 15 dead and 27 missing

According to reports from the Saudi Gazette and international wire services, a passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, resulting in at least 15 confirmed deaths. The national disaster management agency, the Civil Protection Unit, stated that 77 survivors were successfully rescued and transported to a nearby island, while search and rescue teams continue to look for 27 individuals who remain missing.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the vessel was significantly overloaded at the time of the incident. While the boat had a registered carrying capacity of 90 people, official ticket sales records show that 114 adults and five crew members were on board. Authorities have noted that the total number of passengers may be higher, as children below the ticketing age were not accounted for in the manifest.

State broadcaster ZBC has released footage showing speedboats and helicopters conducting search operations on the lake, which serves as a major waterway along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Underwater search teams have been deployed to the site to assist in recovery efforts. The incident has prompted a broader review of maritime safety regulations on the lake, as officials work to account for all passengers and provide support to the families of the victims.