Online Reporter
Recovery efforts following the Lake Kariba boat disaster are currently underway, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders working together in the operation.
Stay tuned for the latest updates…
Lake Kariba ferry hits strong wave, fears high for the safety of passengers
Search and rescue efforts are currently underway as a passenger ferry capsized after hitting turbulence, amid fears that several passengers have drowned.
The district Civil Protection Unit and other well-wishers with boats have ventured into the lake in a bid to provide rescue and support services.
A helicopter is also providing support.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the ferry, which provides transport services between Kariba, several islands and fishing camps such as Charara and Gache Gache, could have been carrying more than 100 passengers.
“The Lake Captain and the district CPU have ventured into the lake as the boat is currently sinking. Details are still sketchy,” said a source in Kariba.
77 rescued
SEVENTY-SEVEN people were rescued on Tuesday after a passenger ferry owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority capsized near Long Island on Lake Kariba.
The number of recovered bodies could not be ascertained, but among the dead was the captain of Mbuya Nehanda ferry.
The total number aboard the ferry when it capsized was still unknown last night. Besides the crew and passengers with tickets, there would probably have been young children who do not need a ticket when with a parent.
The vessel, formerly under the Department of District Development Fund and now run by RIDA, was caught by strong winds locally known as the Binga Wave during the leg from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp, taking on water through the cabin as the crew battled to keep it afloat.
Video footage taken when it moved off on this leg of its voyage shows the boat already labouring in choppy waters moments before it went under, passengers watching helplessly as the water rose around them.
The localised weather bulletin for the lake had pointed largely to calm conditions and light breezes with the high-pressure ridge extending from South Africa up into Zimbabwe and Zambia.
That same bulletin, however, had flagged a strengthening South Indian Ocean anticyclone bringing a moderate gradient and light-to-moderate north-easterly to south-easterly airflow, with winds expected to touch Force 1 to Force 2 and occasionally Force 3 in the afternoon.
Mariners had been cautioned to watch for localised choppy conditions as the afternoon winds speeded up over exposed sections of the lake, precisely the conditions in which the ferry capsized.
Mashonaland West Joint Operations Command convenes over Lake Kariba accident
The Joint Operations Command (JOC) in the province is meeting this morning to review progress in the rescue effort and give a briefing on the disaster.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, Rural Infrastructure Development Agency Director-general Mr Christopher Shumba, Provincial Permanent Secretary Mr Josphat Jaji and senior security officers are attending the meeting.
Other officials attending the meeting include the Lake Captain, Mr Adan Nyekete, Provincial Local Government Services Director Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo and representatives from Government departments.
Twenty-four more bodies recovered in Lake Kariba ferry disaster
TWENTY-FOUR more bodies have been recovered this morning.
The bodies were found trapped beneath the vessel.
The Joint Operations Command said members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Zimbabwe Republic Police sub-aqua units retrieved the 24 bodies during ongoing recovery operations.
Search and recovery efforts are continuing, while authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
President Mnangagwa declares Kariba boat tragedy a State of Disaster
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared the Kariba boat tragedy a State of Disaster as search and rescue efforts continue following the capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) vessel on Lake Kariba.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said President Mnangagwa made the declaration in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06].
“The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has, in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], declared a State of Disaster following the tragic capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency water vessel on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026,” said Minister Garwe.
The vessel was travelling from Kariba to Chalala when it reportedly capsized after being struck by strong waves while navigating near Long Island.
Minister Garwe said the vessel was carrying 119 people — 114 adult passengers and five crew members, although an unconfirmed number of children were also believed to have been on board.
A privately owned helicopter from the Matusadonha Conservation Trust has also been deployed to support aerial search and rescue operations.
Minister Garwe said the declaration would allow Government to mobilise extraordinary measures and resources to assist and protect people affected, or likely to be affected, by the disaster.
“The declaration underscores Government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that all necessary resources are mobilised to support the ongoing search, rescue, recovery and humanitarian response,” he said.
The Department of Civil Protection will continue coordinating the multi-agency response, with efforts focused on accounting for every passenger and crew member aboard the vessel.
Minister Garwe expressed Government’s condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in the tragedy.
He also commended rescue personnel, security services, local authorities, conservation partners and other stakeholders involved in the ongoing operation.
Kariba boat disaster toll hits 44 as search continues
THE number of bodies retrieved from the Kariba RIDA boat disaster site has risen to 44 as search and recovery operations continue.
At least 31 bodies were recovered today alone as subaqua units from the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police intensified efforts to locate and retrieve the victims’ remains.
In a brief update, police said: “The ZRP informs the public that the death toll in the Kariba RIDA boat accident is now 44.”
Rescue teams have been working around the clock to pull bodies from the water, but officials say the chances of finding anyone alive are now slim.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Search operations are ongoing.
Search efforts called off for the day
Search and rescue teams have called off operations for the day after a hectic operation that saw 31 bodies retrieved from the water.
Rescue personnel spent much of the day combing the waters.
The teams will regroup and assess the situation before resuming search and recovery operations.
Sunken boat drifting further from land
The sunken boat in Lake Kariba is drifting with the wind, as indicated by the increased depth from when divers started their search in the morning.
“We started at a depth of 51 metres in the morning, but by the end of the day the boat was now at a depth of 74 metres,” said a diver at the scene.
Diver Mr Craig Hall has assessed the position of the boat and determined that it could be towed to Long Island, which is now further from where the boat is.
President Mnangagwa declares tragedy a National Disaster
President Mnangagwa has declared the Lake Kariba boat accident a National Disaster following the capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) boat which has so far claimed 44 lives.
In a condolence message, the President said he received the news of the tragedy, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, “with a heavy heart and profound sadness”.
“As we mourn the tragic passing of 44 souls whose bodies have so far been retrieved, I wish to thank the prompt response by our security arms and private citizens who rose to the occasion following this deadly incident,” he said.
“Without their swift response, many more lives would have been lost in the rough and choppy conditions which obtained on the lake on the day.”
Search and recovery operations are continuing with subaqua units from the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police working to locate the remaining missing persons.
On behalf of ZANU PF, Government and the people of Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa extended heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones in the accident.
“Government is doing its utmost to ensure that all the missing persons are accounted for,” he said.
President Mnangagwa wished a speedy recovery to survivors and directed that specialised health services provide suitable counselling to help them overcome the trauma.
He further noted that the tragedy had exposed serious deficiencies in the country’s maritime capabilities which must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“Accordingly, I direct all agencies associated with our maritime safety, including, especially specialised units within our security forces, to take an active interest in ensuring remedial interventions in this area,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Through this message, I declare this mishap a National Disaster and further direct relevant authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families, including medical, psychosocial, and funeral support.
“Let us, as a nation, unite in prayer for the souls of the departed, for the success of the ongoing search operations, speedy recovery of survivors and for comfort and strength for the bereaved families,” said the President.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extends condolences to Zimbabwe over Kariba ferry tragedy
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his deep condolences to the people of Zimbabwe following a ferry tragedy on Lake Kariba that claimed 44 lives on Tuesday.
In a statement on Thursday, the Presidency said President Ramaphosa stands in solidarity with Zimbabwe during this difficult time.
“On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his deep condolences to the Government and people of Zimbabwe following the extensive loss of life in a tragedy on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe,” reads part of the statement.
President Ramaphosa offered sympathies to the families of the 44 people who died when the ferry capsized, and said his thoughts are also with survivors and families who are still awaiting updates from ongoing search and rescue operations.
“As South Africans, we stand in solidarity today with the nation of Zimbabwe as we mourn this extensive loss of life,” said President Ramaphosa.
“We wish survivors a speedy recovery and we pay tribute to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to support and bring closure to affected families and communities.”
Condolences pour in
Condolence messages continue to pour in from across the corporate sector and Government as the nation grapples with the enormity of the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, the country’s worst maritime tragedy, which has so far claimed 44 lives.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which manages Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River, was among the first corporates to react, describing the accident as the biggest maritime disaster Zimbabwe has ever experienced.
ZRA chief executive Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the organisation’s thoughts remained with the bereaved.
“We send our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the Kariba community and, indeed, the nation of Zimbabwe following the tragic loss of lives after a boat capsized on Lake Kariba,” said Eng Munodawafa.
“Our hearts are broken alongside yours. To every family that has lost a beloved son, daughter, mother or father in this tragedy, we grieve with you.
“To those still waiting anxiously for news of the missing, we hold you tenderly in our thoughts and prayers.”
The City of Harare also extended its condolences, with His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Jacob Mafume, Acting Town Clerk Advocate Warren Sean Chiwawa, councillors, management and staff saying they had learnt of the accident with deep sadness.
The local authority said it joined President Mnangagwa and the nation in mourning those who lost their lives when the boat capsized.
“The City of Harare stands in solidarity with the affected families and communities during this difficult time,” read the message of condolence.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with those whose loved ones remain unaccounted for, those who were injured, as well as with the emergency responders and all those involved in the search and rescue efforts.”
The City of Harare commended the multi-agency search and rescue effort, which has involved police and army subaqua units combing the lake for missing passengers since the accident occurred.
Other organisations, including private companies, also sent condolence messages, with one describing the tragedy as a moment where “words often fall short” and wishing the bereaved families strength, comfort and peace.
Search and rescue operations are set to resume this morning.
Catholic bishops mourn victims
THE Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life in the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster on Lake Kariba on Tuesday afternoon, offering prayers and solidarity to affected families.
At least 44 people have been confirmed dead, with a mass underway at Nyamhunga this morning, which is being led by Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo.
The mishap saw only 77 survive, with several still unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue.
In a condolence message, the ZCBC said the tragedy had left families and the nation “in deep mourning”, while praying for those still awaiting news of their loved ones.
“Our hearts and prayers go first to the families who have lost their loved ones,” the bishops said.
The conference also commended Government and emergency responders, including the Department of Civil Protection, Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit and Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, for their ongoing search and recovery efforts.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with those anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones as search and recovery operations continue,” the ZCBC said.
The bishops urged Zimbabweans to stand together in prayer and solidarity with the bereaved, saying the tragedy was a loss to the entire nation.
Nyamhunga Stadium hosts memorial service for ferry victims
A memorial service is set to be held this morning for the 44 people who died in the RIDA ferry that sank on Tuesday afternoon.
The service will be led by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Daniel Garwe.
The Minister is accompanied by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi and her deputy Cde Tongai Mnangagwa and Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo and heads of Government departments.
Minister Garwe, who has been sent by the President, said the memorial service does not bring closure to the search and recovery efforts.
“I have been sent by the President to assess the situation and have a clear picture of what transpired on the fateful day,” said Minister Garwe.
“The President said we should get the right information following numerous conflicting narratives through social media and various platforms.”
Thousands of people have gathered in Nyamhunga Stadium to bid farewell to the 44 victims of the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda Ferry disaster.
The bodies of the 44 deceased passengers of the ferry have since arrived at the stadium, awaiting the official start of the memorial service.
Death toll rises to 46
The death toll from the Kariba RIDA boat disaster has risen to 46, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
The latest figure comes as search and recovery efforts continue following the capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) vessel on Lake Kariba.
The ZRP said the names of the victims who perished in the accident will be released in due course.
“The ZRP advises Zimbabweans and relevant stakeholders that the death toll in the Kariba RIDA boat accident is now 46,” police said.
“In the same vein, the names of the victims who perished in the accident will be released in due course.”
