KARIBA – The death toll from the Mbuya Nehanda passenger boat disaster has risen to 68 after 22 bodies were recovered from Lake Kariba on Saturday, as search and recovery operations continued.
Boat Regiment commander Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Muchechesi confirmed that 22 bodies had been retrieved during the latest recovery operation, bringing the total number of bodies recovered to 68.
The bodies were brought ashore in the afternoon and add to the 46 recovered during earlier search and recovery operations.
The latest development comes as teams comprising the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Civil Protection Unit, Boat Regiment and local fishermen continue scouring the lake for survivors and those still missing.
Preliminary findings indicate that overloading may have been a major factor in the tragedy.
A senior official involved in the recovery operation said initial indications were that the vessel was carrying passengers beyond its licensed capacity when it sank.
Survivors have also told investigators that the boat was heavily loaded before it began taking in water and eventually capsized in the middle of the lake.
Authorities have intensified the search as efforts continue to account for all passengers who were aboard the vessel when the tragedy occurred.
The disaster has prompted renewed concerns over passenger safety, vessel capacity and compliance with maritime regulations on Lake Kariba.
