Fifteen dead, dozens missing after Kariba ferry disaster

15 dead, dozens missing after Kariba ferry disaster

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15 dead, dozens missing after Kariba ferry disaster

Fifteen people have died and dozens, including children, are missing after the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency’s Mbuyanehanda Ferry capsized in Lake Kariba on Tuesday afternoon. Cecilia Chitiyo, Provincial Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, confirmed that 15 bodies have been retrieved. The ferry was carrying 114 adult passengers, five crew members, and an unknown number of children when it capsized near Long Island. The vessel's stated carrying capacity was 90 people, raising concerns about overloading. Seventy-seven survivors are currently sheltered on Long Island as the Civil Protection Unit arranges transport to the mainland. Police and army sub-aqua units are involved in search and recovery efforts. Conflicting reports exist regarding the exact number of people on board, with one witness suggesting up to 154, as some passengers, including children and those over 60, did not require tickets. The ferry was traveling from Kariba to Chalala Fishing Camp when high waves caused it to capsize. The Local Government ministry has recommended declaring the accident a State of Disaster, and the incident has sparked concerns about safety and enforcement of passenger limits on Lake Kariba.

NewsDay Zimbabwe51 mins ago6 min

Many feared dead, including children, after Kariba ferry capsizes

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world Zimbabwe

Many feared dead, including children, after Kariba ferry capsizes

Fears are growing that many people, including children, have died after the Mbuyanehanda Ferry capsized near Long Island in Kariba. Rescue teams are currently searching for survivors. While 74 people have been rescued, a witness involved in the rescue efforts stated that the number of people on board could have been significantly higher than the initially reported 90 paid passengers. This witness estimated 154 people were on board, with 63 saved on Long Island, 12 picked up by a houseboat, and seven bodies recovered, leaving approximately 79 people missing. These figures conflict with earlier police reports of 90 passengers and five crew members. Sources indicate about 40 children were believed to be on board, and some are still unaccounted for. Children under four years old did not require tickets, complicating efforts to determine the exact number of passengers. The conflicting figures suggest the ferry may have been overloaded. The ferry was traveling from Kariba to Chalala Fishing Camp with passengers and goods. A local radio presenter, Given Siakanoka, expressed concern for relatives who were on board. Police, army, and other local authorities are continuing search and rescue operations, though the cause of the capsizing is not yet clear.

world Zimbabwe

Three dead, 54 rescued after Kariba ferry capsizes

Three people have died and 54 others have been rescued after the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency's RIDA Mbuyanehanda Ferry capsized near Long Island in Kariba on Tuesday afternoon. The ferry was reportedly carrying about 90 passengers and was traveling from Kariba to Chalala Fishing Camp when the incident occurred. Water and Inland Department Lake Captain Adan Nyekete confirmed the incident, stating that further details were awaited. Aqua rescue teams from the army and police have been deployed, and the Matusadona Conservation Trust dispatched a helicopter to assist with the operation. Local authorities are also involved in the rescue efforts. The circumstances leading to the capsizing are not yet clear, and rescue teams are continuing to search for survivors in Lake Kariba.

NewsDay Zimbabwe6 hours ago4 min

Fifteen dead, dozens missing after Kariba ferry disaster

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15 dead, dozens missing after Kariba ferry disaster

Many feared dead, including children, after Kariba ferry capsizes

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