KARIBA — The death toll from the Kariba RIDA boat disaster has risen to 72 following the recovery of three more bodies late on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as search and recovery operations continue on Lake Kariba.
The latest figures were contained in an update by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), which said the identification process for the newly recovered bodies was still underway.
The recovery of the three bodies brings the confirmed death toll to 72, while authorities continue working to establish the identities of the deceased and account for all those who were aboard the ill-fated boat.
Some residents said the condition of some of the recovered bodies had deteriorated, making the identification process difficult.
The latest recoveries add to the growing number of victims from the tragedy, which occurred on Tuesday when a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) boat carrying more than 100 passengers capsized on Lake Kariba.
The disaster has triggered an extensive search and recovery operation involving police, other authorities and rescue teams, with efforts continuing to locate remaining victims.
Families of those still missing remain hopeful that the ongoing operations will provide answers and enable them to account for their loved ones.
