44 Killed as Overloaded Ferry Sinks in Zimbabwe

At least 44 people have died after an overloaded ferry sank in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, with many others still missing as a rescue operation continues.

The accident occurred on Tuesday (11 August), according to Zimbabwean police.

Police said the ferry had a capacity of 90 passengers, but ticketing records showed that at least 114 adults and five crew members were aboard when the vessel sank. Several young children who did not require tickets were also believed to be on board, meaning the total number of people aboard could have been higher.

The ferry was travelling from Kariba town when it capsized amid heavy waves. Witnesses said the lake was rough because of bad weather. Panic broke out after water began entering the vessel.

Rescuers recovered 77 people alive after reaching the scene. The death toll later rose to 44 as more bodies were recovered from the lake. Authorities warned that the number of casualties could increase as the search continues.

Some survivors said they had urged the operator to turn the ferry around as the waves became increasingly dangerous. They alleged that their requests were ignored.

The situation deteriorated further after water entered the engine room, leaving the crew unable to control the vessel.

Following the disaster, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster.

Military naval units, police divers, helicopters and personnel from several other agencies are taking part in the rescue operation.

Lake Kariba lies along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. One of the world's largest artificial lakes, it plays an important role in transportation, fishing and power generation for communities in both countries.