By Tapiwa Chawagarira
THE death toll from the tragic capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) passenger vessel on Lake Kariba has risen to 44, as search and recovery operations continue following the disaster that claimed lives on Tuesday.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in its latest update issued at 1334hrs on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, informed the public that the death toll in the Kariba RIDA boat accident had risen to 44.
The latest figure comes as rescue and recovery teams continue working around the clock to account for passengers and crew members who were aboard the vessel when it capsized near Long Island.
The disaster occurred on August 11 when the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda water vessel, which was travelling from Kariba towards Chalala, reportedly encountered strong waves while navigating the lake and capsized.
In a statement dated August 12, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honourable Daniel Garwe said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had declared a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06] following the tragedy.
The declaration allows the Government to mobilize extraordinary measures and resources to assist and protect people affected by the disaster, or those likely to be affected.
Initial information released by the Government indicated that the vessel was carrying 119 people, comprising 114 adult passengers and five crew members, although an unconfirmed number of children were also believed to have been on board.
The initial situation report stated that 77 people had been rescued, 15 fatalities had been confirmed, and 27 people remained unaccounted for.
However, the casualty figures have continued to change as recovery teams gain access to the capsized vessel and search the surrounding waters. The latest ZRP update now puts the confirmed death toll at 44.
The number of people who were actually aboard the vessel remains subject to verification, particularly because authorities have indicated that some children may not have been captured in passenger ticket records.
The tragedy has prompted a large-scale multi-agency response involving the Department of Civil Protection, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, the Zimbabwe National Army, the Army Boat Squadron, local authorities, conservation organisations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Marine rescue teams have been deployed to search the affected area and assist survivors, while a privately owned helicopter from the Matusadona Conservation Trust has also been deployed to support aerial search and rescue operations.
The Government said the Department of Civil Protection would continue coordinating the multi-agency response, with the immediate priority remaining the recovery of those still unaccounted for and providing assistance to survivors and affected families.
The declaration of a State of Disaster is expected to facilitate the mobilisation of additional resources as authorities continue with the search, recovery, and humanitarian response.
The tragedy has also raised questions about safety on Lake Kariba, including passenger capacity, vessel safety, and the need for accurate passenger manifests. Reports indicate that the vessel may have been carrying more people than its stated capacity, although investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
As the search continues, authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources, particularly as casualty figures remain subject to confirmation.
The Government has extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy, while commending rescue personnel, security services, local authorities, conservation partners, and other stakeholders for their continued efforts under challenging conditions.
Further updates are expected from the authorities as the search and recovery operation progresses and more information is verified and confirmed.
