HARARE, Zimbabwe — The death toll from Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba ferry disaster has risen to 80 after authorities recovered eight more bodies on Sunday, August 16, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The figure supersedes Saturday’s confirmed toll of 72.
The passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba on Tuesday, August 11, after encountering strong waves. Preliminary investigations indicate that the vessel was overloaded when it overturned.
Authorities said the ferry had a capacity of about 90 passengers, while estimates suggest that as many as 153 people, including children and crew members, may have been on board. Zimbabwe’s disaster management agency earlier confirmed that 77 people were rescued.
At least 18 children were among the 72 victims confirmed by Saturday, with 16 aged 10 or younger and the youngest just one year old.
The tragedy has prompted renewed scrutiny of passenger safety on Lake Kariba. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the incident a state of disaster as authorities intensified recovery efforts and pledged measures to improve maritime safety.
Recovery operations remain under way, raising fears that the death toll could increase further as authorities work to account for everyone believed to have been aboard the vessel.