Harare, (New Ziana) — More bodies have been retrieved from a sunken ship in Lake Kariba, and other passengers on the ill-fated ferry are still missing, unofficial sources told New Ziana on Thursday.
The official death toll stood at 44 on Wednesday, with an unknown number of passengers still missing after the rescue of 77.
But unofficial sources told New Ziana more bodies had been recovered by rescue teams from multiple agencies, including the army and police, that are frantically searching for survivors.
The ship, the Mbuya Nehanda, capsised on Tuesday on the lake, instantly becoming the country’s worst maritime disaster.
The exact number of passengers on board is unknown, but speculation puts this at between 114 and 150.
Rescue efforts, suspended overnight on Wednesday for safety reasons, resumed on Thursday morning, while funeral arrangements kick-started with a memorial service for those who perished.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the accident a state of disaster to allow speedy mobilisation of resources for rescue efforts, burial of the deceased, and humanitarian assistance for survivors.
Kariba District Development Coordinator, Rodwell Mtetwa said local institutions had mobilised clothing, food, shelter and portable toilets for survivors and affected families.
Authorities and residents also gathered at Nyamhunga Stadium on Thursday for a memorial service for the victims.
Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, stretches for more than 282 kilometres along the Zimbabwe-Zambia border and supports fishing, tourism and transport.
Its weather can change with little warning, often producing strong winds and dangerous waves.
The disaster comes amid longstanding concerns about boat safety on the lake. In 2024, Zimbabwean authorities warned operators against overloading after several accidents on Lake Kariba.
In 2021, five people died after an overloaded boat carrying eight people capsized, while smaller vessels have continued to record fatal accidents involving storms, overloading and poor maintenance.
The recovery operation continues as authorities work to establish the final number of people aboard the ferry and account for all missing passengers.
New Ziana
