Zimbabwe boat disaster toll hits 93, including 39 children

The death toll from a boat capsizing on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba has risen to at least 93, with 39 of the victims confirmed to be children. Zimbabwean police released a new list of identified victims, bringing the total identified to 83, but at least ten bodies remain unidentified.

Officials are facing significant challenges in identifying the remaining victims. "It will be very difficult to identify the bodies that are being recovered," said Marian Chombo, a minister and local legislator. "People are resorting to identifying clothes and other characteristics, but time is running out, and DNA may now be necessary."

“

It will be very difficult to identify the bodies that are being recovered. People are resorting to identifying clothes and other characteristics, but time is running out, and DNA may now be necessary.

The tragedy, which occurred on August 11, involved a vessel from the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency. While initial reports suggested 120 people were on board, police investigations indicate the number could be higher, exceeding the boat's authorized capacity of 90 passengers. Authorities rescued 67 people, while the Civil Protection Unit reported 77 survivors who swam to a nearby islet or were swept ashore and evacuated.

In response to the disaster, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national state of disaster, mobilizing military resources, rescue divers, and aircraft. The president acknowledged that the incident highlighted significant deficiencies in the country's maritime inspection and safety protocols. Lake Kariba, the world's largest artificial reservoir by volume, was created by a dam built between 1956 and 1959 on the Zambezi River.

“

The Police of the Republic of Zimbabwe (ZRP) publishes the names of 39 victims who have been positively identified by their relatives. This brings the total number of identified victims to 83.