Boat sinks in Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba with 95 people on board
The vessel is said to have overturned after being hit by strong waves.
A vessel carrying 95 individuals has capsized in Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, prompting fears of multiple fatalities as rescue efforts are initiated.
The incident occurred on Tuesday on the Kariba dam, a section of Lake Kariba, one of the globe's largest artificial reservoirs, situated on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Authorities reported that the boat was carrying 90 passengers and five crew members when it overturned. However, there are indications that the vessel might have been overloaded, with some reports, based on registered ticket sales, suggesting a higher number of people on board.
According to an eyewitness who spoke with AFP, the boat departed in the morning amidst inclement weather and may have been struck by a wave, leading to its capsizing.
Zimbabwe's Civil Protection Unit, as cited by the AP news agency, stated that ticket sales indicated 114 adults were on the vessel. The unit also noted the potential presence of an unrecorded number of children who were below ticketing age.
Mutsa Murombedzi, a local member of parliament, shared a video on X, which she identified as the boat at the commencement of its journey. She mentioned that residents frequently utilized the vessel for the approximately five-hour trip across the lake to Kariba town. Murombedzi emphasized the need for transparency, stating, "We have very hard questions that require honest answers. The officials must release the correct number of people who were onboard."
Police have indicated that further information, including the precise number of fatalities and those successfully rescued, will be disclosed "in due course."
Lake Kariba is a crucial resource for both Zimbabwe and Zambia, facilitating transportation and fishing, in addition to generating vital hydroelectric power.