Death toll rises to 84 from capsized ferry in Zimbabwe

The death toll from the capsized ferry in Zimbabwe has risen to 84, following the recovery of additional bodies during ongoing rescue operations. The ferry, which was operating on Lake Kariba near the Zambian border, overturned on August 11 due to heavy winds. Initially, estimates suggested that the number of passengers could be as high as 153, despite the vessel being authorized to carry only 90 people. Reports indicate that the ferry was overloaded, carrying 114 adult passengers, five crew members, and an unknown number of children at the time of the incident. The ferry, operated by the District Development Fund, was providing transportation between the northern town of Kariba and nearby islands and fishing camps when it capsized. This tragedy has been described as one of the worst passenger boat disasters in Zimbabwe's history, highlighting the risks associated with overcrowded vessels in challenging weather conditions. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety measures and protocols followed by ferry operators in the region, particularly on Lake Kariba, which is recognized as the world’s largest human-made lake. Rescue operations are actively underway, with local authorities and rescue services searching for dozens of missing individuals. While many survivors have been reported, the exact number of those unaccounted for remains unclear. The capsizing has prompted discussions about the need for stricter safety regulations for ferry operations in the area, as the ferry serves as a crucial means of transportation for locals traveling from rural areas to Kariba.