The death toll from the Lake Kariba boat disaster in Zimbabwe has risen to 80, as search and recovery teams continue to comb the vast reservoir for missing passengers.
Authorities said the vessel capsized on Lake Kariba during a journey carrying dozens of passengers, triggering a major rescue operation involving the Zimbabwean police, military, local fishermen and emergency responders.
Rescuers have recovered more bodies in recent days, while several survivors were pulled from the water and taken to nearby health facilities for treatment. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as the search continues.
The government has launched an investigation into the cause of the disaster. Preliminary reports suggest the boat may have been overloaded, although investigators are also examining whether poor weather, mechanical failure or safety violations contributed to the tragedy.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged government support for rescue efforts and those affected by the disaster.
Humanitarian agencies and local authorities have provided emergency assistance, including medical care, food and psychological support, to survivors and bereaved families.
Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, is a vital transport and fishing route for communities in Zimbabwe and neighboring Zambia. However, accidents on the lake have occurred periodically, often raising concerns about vessel safety standards, passenger capacity and enforcement of maritime regulations.
Transport safety experts have renewed calls for stricter inspections of passenger boats, mandatory life jacket use and stronger enforcement of navigation rules to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
As recovery operations continue, communities around Lake Kariba remain in mourning, with authorities focused on accounting for all those believed to have been aboard the vessel and determining the circumstances that led to one of Zimbabwe’s deadliest boating accidents in recent years.
