Lake Kariba ferry disaster: 68 dead, including 18 children, after overloaded vessel capsizes

Herz — World Desk · 15 August 2026 at 20:05 · 30s summary · 3 min read

What we know

A ferry capsized in heavy winds on Lake Kariba, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, on August 11, 2026. The Guardian reported that it is believed to be the deadliest disaster of its kind in Zimbabwe's history.

The death toll reached 68, including 18 children. Zimbabwean police said 22 more bodies were recovered on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Zimbabwe's civil protection unit, which protects the population during accidents and natural disasters, said 77 people had been rescued by Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Most of those on board are believed to have been villagers and fish traders living around Lake Kariba.

An overloaded vessel

The ferry was authorised to carry 90 people. When it capsized, it was carrying 114 adults, five crew members and an unspecified number of children. An investigation concluded that the vessel was overloaded.

Survivors' accounts

Survivors said they pleaded with the ferry driver to turn back after the vessel began taking on water shortly after departure.

Chance Siyamavhu, a 45-year-old survivor, told AFP that a wave pushed the sinking vessel, allowing some passengers to climb on top. He also said many passengers did not know how to use their lifejackets.

Search operations

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Muchechesi, commander of the boat regiment leading the search, said on August 15 that his teams had recovered 22 bodies that day. He added that they were confident they would retrieve all the bodies.