Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE diplomatic community has joined Zimbabwe in mourning the victims of the Lake Kariba boat tragedy expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and commending rescue teams and members of the public involved in the search for survivors and missing persons.
The boat capsized on Lake Kariba on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in a tragedy that has been declared a national disaster, triggering a major search and rescue operation.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic boat capsizing on Lake Kariba on August 112026. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish the survivors a full and speedy recovery,” he said.
Ambassador Zhou also commended rescue teams and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to save others following the accident.
“I also wish to commend the swift and courageous response of rescue teams and ordinary citizens who risked their own safety to save lives. Their selflessness is a testament to the resilience of the Zimbabwean spirit”.
He assured Zimbabwe of China’s solidarity during the period of national mourning.
“China stands firmly with Zimbabwe in this time of profound sorrow,” Ambassador Zhou said.
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The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also conveyed its condolences to the families and communities affected by the Kariba ferry disaster.
“Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and those still searching for the missing,” the embassy said.
The Embassy of Belarus in Zimbabwe also expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, which claimed numerous lives.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic boat accident on Lake Kariba, which has claimed many lives. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims, and to the people of Zimbabwe at this difficult time,” the embassy said.
It extended its thoughts to all those affected by the disaster, describing the incident as a national tragedy.
The United Nations Development System in Zimbabwe also joined the growing international outpouring of sympathy, expressing solidarity with Zimbabwe following the devastating accident.
In a statement, the UN said it was deeply saddened by the tragic boat accident on Lake Kariba and extended its heartfelt condolences to the Government of Zimbabwe and to all families and communities who have lost loved ones.
“We join the nation in mourning the 44 lives lost and wish a swift recovery to those injured and affected,” the UN said.
The organisation acknowledged the Government’s declaration of the incident as a National Disaster and commended the rapid response by authorities and emergency personnel.
“We acknowledge the Government’s declaration of a National Disaster and commend the swift efforts of responders and authorities providing medical care, psychosocial support, and other essential services,” reads the statement.
The UN Country Team reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe during the recovery process.
“The UN Country Team stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Zimbabwe and remains ready to support national and local authorities in line with identified needs, including technical assistance to strengthen maritime safety and disaster risk management,” reads the statement.
The organisation also paid tribute to the bravery of emergency responders and volunteers assisting affected families.
“At this difficult time, we honour the courage of first responders and all those assisting affected families. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those impacted.”
Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri also said Palestine stood in solidarity with Zimbabwe as the country mourned the loss of lives.
“On behalf of the State of Palestine, and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, following the tragic capsizing of a boat on Lake Kariba,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri said Palestine has received the news with great sorrow and prayed for the recovery of those still missing and survivors of the tragedy.
“We pray for the swift recovery of those still missing, wish the survivors a speedy recovery, and extend our comfort to the bereaved families,” he said.
He also commended those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.
“We commend the efforts of the relevant authorities and all individuals working tirelessly to locate the missing and assist the affected,” Ambassador Almassri said.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”
The messages from diplomatic missions and international organisations come as Zimbabwe continues efforts to account for those affected by the tragedy, with rescue personnel and other stakeholders working tirelessly to locate missing people, assist survivors and provide support to grieving families.
The outpouring of international solidarity has underscored the magnitude of the tragedy and the enduring bonds between Zimbabwe and the international community as the nation mourns those who lost their lives on Lake Kariba.
