Antony Chawagarira
KARIBA – The wreckage of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry has been towed back to the mainland following its fatal capsizing on Lake Kariba, which claimed 97 lives.
The recovery of the vessel marks a significant development in the ongoing response to the disaster, one of the deadliest maritime tragedies recorded on Lake Kariba.
Images from the salvage operation showed the battered blue ferry being transported towards the mainland after being secured by a heavy-duty rig vessel fitted with a large gantry and crane system.
The vessel was clearly marked “MBUYA NEHANDA KF 551 KARIBA DDF” on its hull.
Several smaller civilian boats were also seen around the salvage operation as the wreckage was moved towards the mainland, where other vessels were moored.
The retrieval of the ferry is expected to assist authorities in establishing circumstances surrounding the tragedy and provide a physical basis for further investigations into the disaster.
The Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba, resulting in a major search-and-rescue operation involving Government agencies, security services, local communities and other stakeholders.
The tragedy left families across the country mourning the loss of their loved ones, while raising concerns over safety standards, passenger capacity and the regulation of vessels operating on the lake.
Authorities have yet to conclude investigations into the cause of the accident, with the recovery of the ferry expected to form part of the evidence in efforts to establish what happened before and during the capsizing.
The latest development also brings closer the physical conclusion of the recovery phase of the disaster, although the emotional impact of the tragedy continues to be felt by affected families and communities.
