Death toll climbs to 68 after Zimbabwe ferry capsizes on Lake Kariba

The death toll from a ferry capsize on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe has risen to at least 68, with authorities continuing to search for survivors. The incident occurred earlier this week amid severe weather conditions on the vast artificial lake in the northern part of the country.

According to Zimbabwean police, 22 additional bodies were recovered following the disaster. While 77 individuals have been rescued, the search for more survivors is ongoing. Initial reports indicate that the ferry was carrying 114 adults, five crew members, and an unspecified number of children when it overturned.

Compounding the tragedy, the vessel was reportedly approved to carry only 90 people, suggesting it was significantly overloaded. This overload, combined with adverse weather, likely contributed to the catastrophic capsizing.

Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, is a popular tourist destination but also a site where maritime accidents have occurred. The exact cause of the capsizing is still under investigation, but the combination of poor weather and potential overloading are considered primary factors.