Death toll from Zimbabwe boat disaster reaches 97 as more bodies recovered

The number of fatalities from a boat accident on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba has climbed to 97, with authorities recovering additional bodies from the water. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the grim update, stating that two more bodies were recovered on Thursday afternoon. This brings the total number of identified victims to 93, including six children.

The identified victims encompass a range of ages, from infants as young as one month to five-year-olds, as well as older children and teenagers. The police are continuing to work with relevant authorities and families to identify the remaining victims. The ZRP also released the names of ten more individuals, contributing to the growing list of those lost in the tragedy.

The vessel, belonging to the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), capsized on August 11 while traveling between Chalala and Kariba. Initial reports suggested the boat was carrying 120 people, but police investigations indicate the number could be higher, significantly exceeding the vessel's authorized capacity of 90 passengers. While 67 people were initially reported rescued, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) later stated that 77 survivors reached safety by swimming or were washed ashore to a nearby islet before being evacuated.

In response to the disaster, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national disaster, mobilizing resources including the army, rescue divers, and aircraft. The president acknowledged that the incident highlighted serious deficiencies in the country's maritime inspection and safety protocols. Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest artificial reservoirs, serves as a crucial transportation route in the region.

“

Zimbabwe Police reports that the death toll in the Kariba RIDA boat accident has now risen to 97 following the recovery of two bodies from the lake this afternoon.