Zimbabwe ferry disaster toll reaches 80 as more bodies recovered

The death toll from a capsized ferry on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba has risen to 80, with authorities recovering eight more bodies on Saturday. The overcrowded vessel, operated by the government's Rural Development Agency (RIDA), sank in rough waters on Tuesday.

Officials stated the ferry was designed for 90 people but was carrying 114 adults, five crew members, and an unspecified number of children. Search teams found 25 bodies on Saturday, bringing the total to 72, and an additional eight bodies were recovered later, pushing the toll to 80. The ferry was a vital link for communities around the lake and the town of Kariba, located about 280 kilometers northwest of the capital, Harare.

Many of the passengers were villagers and fish traders from lakeside communities, including the Chalala fishing camp. The Civil Protection Unit reported on Wednesday that 77 people had been rescued. The police statement indicated 80 bodies were found, suggesting a total of 157 people were on board. The government has not released details on the number of children among the deceased. This disaster is considered the deadliest of its kind in Zimbabwe's history.

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After eight more bodies were recovered on August 16, 2026, the death toll from the Kariba RIDA boat accident now stands at 80.