Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in KARIBA
ENGINEERS and technical experts yesterday moved a gantry to the Twin Sister Islands in Lake Kariba to overturn the capsized RIDA Mbuya Nehanda ferry ahead of its towing to mainland Kariba for a full-scale investigation.
This came as the death toll rose to 95 following the recovery of another body.
Divers conducted a final sweep of the vessel’s compartments to establish whether any bodies remained inside, before the ferry is lifted and towed to Andora Harbour for further investigations. The technical probe will seek to establish whether structural or mechanical factors contributed to the tragedy, with preliminary investigations pointing to human error compounded by rough weather conditions.
Freelance specialist diver Mr Wonder Mujokeri confirmed that the gantry had arrived at the vessel’s location.
“We conducted final searches of the ferry’s compartments to rule out the possibility of any bodies remaining,” said Mr Mujokeri.
“The gantry arrived this afternoon (yesterday) to overturn the boat and prepare it for towing to the mainland.”
The operation marks the beginning of the inquiry ordered by Government as authorities seek answers over the deaths of 95 people.
Meanwhile, the holding camp for survivors at Mahombekombe Primary School is now empty after all 67 people who had been accommodated there returned to their homes.
Local Government Services director for Mashonaland West province, Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo, said all six bodies that had remained unclaimed at Kariba District Hospital had been positively identified and collected for burial.
“However, the relatives later said the body was not that of their relative and returned it, meaning we now have one unclaimed body,” said Mrs Chitiyo.
