By Zuko Komisa

- An overcrowded ferry carrying over 119 people capsized after striking strong waves on Tuesday.
- At least 15 people have been confirmed dead, 77 rescued, and roughly 27 remain missing.
- A specialised aquatic rescue unit has been airlifted to aid search operations on the world’s largest man-made lake.
At least 15 people have died and around 27 remain missing after an overcrowded ferry overturned on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, on Tuesday.
The vessel, which connects the northern town of Kariba with surrounding islands and fishing camps, capsized after encountering strong waves.
Despite having a maximum capacity of 90 people, the boat was carrying 114 adults, five crew members, and an unconfirmed number of children.
Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, with emergency teams deployed across the area.
According to a statement issued by Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit (CPU):
“So far, 77 passengers have been rescued by Matusadonha rescue teams and others, while 15 bodies have also been retrieved.”
This was the chaotic scene during boarding of the doomed Mbuya Nehanda ferry on a recent voyage from rural Nyaminyami to Kariba urban – a tortuous 5-hour journey. The government-owned boat capsized at Lake Kariba on Tuesday carrying over 100 people.
— ZimLive (@zimlive) August 12, 2026
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The CPU added that a specialised aquatic rescue unit has been airlifted to the site to assist in the search for the remaining unaccounted passengers, while local funeral services have been engaged to process the deceased.
Located along the border with Zambia, Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake by volume.
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