DistantNews
Support us
Death Toll Reaches 94 in Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Death Toll Reaches 94 in Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The death toll from a ferry capsize on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba has risen to 94, including 30 children under 10.
  • The ferry, licensed for 90 passengers, was overloaded and capsized during severe weather on Wednesday.
  • Survivors reported that the captain ignored concerns about the storm and the vessel's overload.

The death toll from a ferry disaster on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba has climbed to 94, with authorities confirming the recovery of 30 children under the age of 10 among the identified victims. The ferry capsized last Wednesday amidst fierce weather on the turbulent waters of the artificial lake, which straddles the border with Zambia.

The vessel was reportedly licensed to carry 90 passengers but was significantly overloaded. In addition to the 94 confirmed fatalities, 77 people were rescued in the initial hours following the incident, according to Civil Protection officials.

I have traveled on this boat for over five years, but this time the situation was different. There were so many diesel barrels, food, and other luggage.

— Itai MarumisaA survivor describing the conditions on the overloaded ferry before it capsized.

A survivor recounted to Agence France-Presse that several passengers had voiced their concerns to the captain about the rough seas and the apparent overload of the boat. However, their warnings were disregarded. "I have traveled on this boat for over five years, but this time the situation was different. There were so many diesel barrels, food, and other luggage," the survivor, Itai Marumisa, stated.

Zimbabwe's Minister of Local Government, Daniel Garwe, told the cabinet that the tragic ferry disaster was a result of "negligence and human error," effectively placing the blame on the captain. He added that the vessel possessed a certificate of seaworthiness issued by the Ministry of Transport. Reports indicate the ferry had been operating for 41 years.

negligence and human error

— Daniel GarweZimbabwe's Minister of Local Government attributing the cause of the ferry disaster.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog