Authorities in Zimbabwe are continuing search and rescue operations after a ferry sank on Lake Kariba, with the death toll rising to 84 as of Sunday, August 16, 2026. Rescue teams are still searching the lake for people who may be missing.
The ferry capsized on Tuesday, August 10, after strong waves hit the vessel. Police said the number of confirmed deaths increased from 72 to 84 over the weekend as rescue workers recovered more bodies from the lake.
So far, 77 people have been rescued from the accident. Officials believe the number of passengers on board may have been much higher than the ferry’s approved capacity. Initial estimates suggested that as many as 153 people were travelling on the vessel, even though it was designed to carry only about 90 passengers.
The ferry was an old vessel that was travelling from Kariba to remote fishing communities in northwestern Zimbabwe. These communities have limited transport options because roads in the area are in poor condition. As a result, boats and ferries are an important way for people to travel and transport goods.
The disaster has caused deep sadness among families and local communities. Officials said that 18 children were among those who died. One of the youngest victims was just one year old, while 16 of the children were below the age of 10.
Rescue teams are continuing to search different parts of the lake for missing passengers. Divers and other emergency workers are involved in the operation, while authorities are also working to identify the recovered victims and provide information to their families.
The accident has also raised questions about ferry safety, passenger limits and the condition of older vessels operating on Lake Kariba. Authorities may face growing pressure to review safety rules and ensure that ferries do not carry more passengers than their approved capacity.
About Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is one of Africa’s largest inland water bodies and is considered the world’s largest man-made lake by volume. It was created after the Zambezi River was dammed during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The lake stretches for more than 200 kilometres and reaches about 40 kilometres at its widest point. It lies between Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the international border running through the middle of the lake.
The ongoing search is expected to continue as authorities try to find the remaining missing passengers. The tragedy has highlighted the importance of improving transport and safety measures for people living in remote communities around Lake Kariba.