Lake Kariba Ferry Capsize Kills at Least 44 as 120 Passengers Overloaded 90-Seat Vessel
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 12
Lake Kariba Ferry Capsize Kills at Least 44 as 120 Passengers Overloaded 90-Seat Vessel
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 12
Summary
At least 44 people were confirmed dead Wednesday after a ferry overturned on Lake Kariba a day earlier, with an unknown number still missing as rescuers prepared to resume the search Thursday.
Police said at least 67 people were rescued and initial indications showed about 120 passengers aboard a vessel licensed for 90, pointing to overcrowding as a central factor.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa said rough, choppy conditions worsened the disaster and credited private citizens and security teams with preventing a higher death toll.
The ferry was operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, a quasi-government body, putting its safety procedures and operations under renewed scrutiny.