KARIBA, Aug. 11 — A ferry operated by Zimbabwe's Rural Infrastructure Development Agency capsized Sunday afternoon near Long Island in Lake Kariba. Rescue operations are underway, with witness accounts indicating 15 people confirmed dead, 74 rescued, seven bodies recovered and 79 individuals still missing.
Initial police reports indicated 90 passengers and five crew members were on board the Mbuyanehanda Ferry. A witness involved in the rescue estimated the actual number of people on the vessel could be as high as 154.
That higher estimate accounts for passengers under 16, who do not pay for tickets, making it difficult for authorities to establish a precise manifest. The witness said 63 people were saved on Long Island and 12 were picked up by a houseboat returning to Kariba.
The conflicting figures have raised concerns about potential overloading of the vessel.
About 40 children of various ages were believed to be on board. Some remain unaccounted for, further complicating rescue efforts; children under four do not require tickets.
The ferry was traveling from Kariba to the Chalala Fishing Camp, carrying passengers and goods. The circumstances that led to the capsizing remain unclear.
Local radio presenter Given Siakanoka, who said relatives were among the passengers, described the incident as devastating. He said he was awaiting confirmation on their survival.
Search and rescue teams comprising police, army personnel and local authorities are searching beneath the overturned vessel for additional bodies and missing persons.
