Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
A BOAT that capsized on Lake Kariba, killing several passengers, was carrying at least 114 paying passengers and five crew members, exceeding its stipulated capacity of 90 people.
The vessel was also carrying an undisclosed number of children below the ticketing age, according to an accident situation report compiled by Mashonaland West director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Ms Cecilia Chitiyo, who heads the Civil Protection Department (CPD).
Most of the passengers were reportedly fish traders travelling to Chilala when the boat capsized after being hit by a fierce wave.
The CPD said the 114 adult passengers had been confirmed through tickets obtained from the accounts, while five crew members and an undisclosed number of children were also on board.
“The boat had 114 adult passengers on board, confirmed through tickets from the accounts, five crew members and undisclosed children below ticketing age. The boat has a carrying capacity of 90,” said the CPD in an official situation report.
The accident has triggered a major search and rescue operation, with 77 passengers having so far been rescued by Matusadonha rescue teams and other rescuers.
The rescued passengers are currently on Long Island in Lake Kariba, with the CPD mobilising boats to transport them to the mainland.
Fifteen bodies have also been retrieved from the lake, with two funeral parlours engaged to collect and process the remains.
Based on the confirmed figures, about 27 people remain unaccounted for, although the actual number could be higher because the number of children aboard the vessel has not yet been established.
The CPD said the sub-aqua unit had been airlifted to the scene to strengthen the search and rescue operation.
“The sub-aqua unit has been airlifted to conduct search and rescue operations at the scene of the accident,” said the CPD.
The department said the situation remained fluid, with search and rescue teams continuing to scour the lake for survivors and bodies.
“This is the report to date, but you will be continuously updated as the search and rescue unfolds,” said the CPD.
The department has recommended that the tragedy be declared a State of Disaster, amid the scale of the loss of life and the ongoing rescue operation.
The accident has raised fresh concerns over safety and passenger capacity on vessels operating on Lake Kariba, one of Zimbabwe’s major inland water bodies.
