Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
FOR some passengers aboard the ill-fated Mbuya Nehanda ferry, the tragedy on Lake Kariba did not come without warning.
Strong winds were already whipping across the lake before the vessel left the harbour, while a battery and inverter destined for Mola were swept into the water as passengers prepared for the journey.
As the weather deteriorated, more belongings were blown overboard and water began seeping into the vessel, prompting passengers to question whether it was safe to proceed.
The warnings, survivors say, went unheeded.
The ferry later capsized in the dark waters of Lake Kariba, killing 44 people and leaving scores of families anxiously waiting for news of relatives still missing.
Warnings before departure
Mrs Itai Marumisa, who had travelled to Harare to buy groceries and goods for resale in Mola, said passengers became uneasy even before the ferry left the harbour.
“We just felt that there was something wrong with the journey because the winds were already strong,” she said.
Mrs Marumisa said passengers pleaded with the captain to postpone the journey after a box containing a battery and inverter fell into the lake.
“A box containing a battery and inverter fell into the water and we told the boat captain that we should not proceed with the journey, but he went on to say a prayer for journey mercies.
“He ignored our plea, and that was to be the same thing along the journey,” she said.
As the vessel proceeded, a bag and a case of opaque beer were also swept overboard as the wind intensified.
Mrs Marumisa said water had begun entering the ferry while it was still at the harbour, further alarming passengers.
Fellow survivor, Mr Friday Munenga, of Dobe Village in Mola, said passengers repeatedly asked the captain to turn back or seek shelter at a nearby island.
“We left the harbour and before long we highlighted to the captain that the conditions were not suitable for us to continue with the journey.
“We suggested that we dock at a nearby island, but he insisted on continuing with the journey, saying that he had traversed the lake for many years,” said Mr Munenga.
Desperate calls for help
As the ferry encountered increasingly rough waters, the situation rapidly deteriorated.
A passenger identified as Mrs Magadaire reportedly made frantic calls for assistance to African Parks, Tiger Bay and Bumi Hills as the vessel took on water.
She continued calling for help until the ferry eventually capsized.
Survivors said the few of life jackets on board had largely been distributed to passengers on the upper deck, leaving those below with limited chances to escape when the vessel overturned.
Mrs Marumisa was swept away from the ferry and spent nearly an hour in the water before being spotted by a helicopter.
“I was one of the two people to be rescued by the helicopter,” she said.
Rescue teams mobilised
Kariba District Development Coordinator Mr Rodwell Mutetwa said authorities received a distress call around 1pm, prompting the immediate mobilisation of the district Civil Protection Unit.
“We quickly mobilised the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron and other stakeholders. We are grateful that African Parks provided a helicopter which helped in the rescue of several people,” said Mr Mutetwa.
The helicopter rescued several survivors, including Mrs Marumisa.
At Kariba District Hospital, medical officer Dr Godwin Muza said 12 survivors remained admitted and were in stable condition, while undergoing further clinical assessments.
Another 67 people rescued from the wreck were being accommodated at Mahombekombe.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said Government had activated a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society response to assist survivors and families affected by the tragedy.
President Mnangagwa has since declared the incident a State of Disaster.
“A death is one too many, and having 44 people of varying ages losing their lives is a bitter experience we are struggling to cope with as a province and country,” said Minister Chombo.
Survivors count the cost
For surviving the disaster, Mrs Marumisa can only thank God.
However, the groceries and other goods she had bought in Harare for resale in Mola were lost in the accident, leaving her uncertain about how she will support her children.
“I am a single mother and shudder to think how I will be able to pick up the pieces and look after my children.
“Getting wares in Harare and selling them in Mola was my source of livelihood,” she said.
Her account is among several emerging from the disaster, with other survivors, including Mr Tatenda Sianjeme of Mola and 18-year-old Tanaka Marire, also recounting their experiences.
Search and rescue teams recovered 31 bodies yesterday, before operations were suspended because of fading light and strengthening winds.
The search is expected to resume today, with the Zimbabwe National Army and ZRP sub-aqua teams continuing efforts to recover bodies from the wreck and establish the fate of those still missing.
